Wisdom, Compassion and Openness
A bird in flight is a commonly used simile in the teachings of the Buddha in various contexts. At different contexts this simile indicates tracelessness, groundlessness, unobstructedness and effortlessness.
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The door to peace and wisdom that the Buddha showed is not in tomorrow and not after death. It is here, now, at this very moment. The present moment is the only way for us to be in contact with reality. The present, this moment, comes between the past and the future without abiding for even a moment. Yet, in this seemingly little moment is the expansive openness! This very moment opens up vast possibilities.
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“Therefore, Ānanda, dwell as a lamp unto yourself, refuge unto yourself, seeking no other refuge; With Dhamma as your lamp, Dhamma as your refuge, seeking no other refuge.” These words clearly show how the Way of the Tathagata is to be followed as a Way that goes beyond religion.
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In Kakacupama Sutta and Maha-Rahulovada Sutta, the Buddha teaches how to maintain the attitude of boundless lovingkindness (maitri/ metta) and compassion (karuna) to all beings, as the unshaken basis for one’s relationship with the world. The Tathagata shows how pervading the world with this deep sense of kindness and compassion lead us to experience profound peace, patience and openness.
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For someone who do not notice the dreamlike nature of life, impermanence of life can be a depressing fact. But, contemplating on impermanence in this way breaks open the cocoon of wrong view. Then, we can recognize the play of awareness in its full splendor and beauty, all through this life and beyond. In Lalitavistara Sutra Buddha points to this fact.
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In Diamond Sutra and the Alagaddupama sutta, the Buddha taught that his teachings are like a raft, to be used for a purpose and to be left aside without clinging on to. The raft simile also summarizes the meaning of the three turnings into one line. Here, we shall see how the four types of clinging are utterly abandoned using the three turnings of the teaching.
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On the magnificent play of compassion, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara – a commentary to the Avalokitesvara section of Gandavyuha Sutra.
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On Sedaka Sutta: One takes care of oneself by practicing mindfulness. One takes care of others by practicing mindfulness. Taking care of oneself, one takes care of others. Taking care of others, one takes care of oneself.
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In kasibharadvaja sutta, the Buddha explains the way of cultivating mind by using the simile of ploughing the field. Like the farmer Bharadvaja, even today, people confuse meditation to be simply idling. This sutra shows how it should be as involved and engaged as farming.
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A Commentary on Mucalinda Sutta. The gatha expressed in this sutra teaches four ways to blissfully protect mind and remain in proper composure. Here is an explanation of it as the stages of the path as well as powerful ways to regain composure while engaging in daily life.
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