Those who have not made an effort to be pure in heart,
and gave no attention to simplicity and truth,
cannot truly call themselves a disciple.
Dhammapada Vs 9
Dhamma intention.
Before we can fully step on the Dhamma path, we have to be honest about what we want, and what we are prepared to do to get it.
If we want to be free, beyond a romantic, new age idea, we will have to commit to putting down all the things that support our self identity. All those voices that tell us who and what we are. All those voices that, in one way or another, only ever lead us into further suffering.
None of them are true, but they are comfortable, and that’s what we have to let go of, the things that keep us comfortable in our delusion, whether they are pleasant or unpleasant, fascinating or boring, they are the stories we hold on to, and so perpetuate the myth of self.
In simple terms, everybody wants to be somebody, but nobody wants to be nobody!
When we live with a teacher of pure Dhamma, (as I did) it’s inspiring to notice how they move through life, silently and effortlessly, yet their presence if felt in every situation.
Inspired by these traits we experience in them, we naturally want to cultivate them for ourselves. To do this we have to commit to the training and use every moment and every situation to let go of our identification with self.
Well, of course, this is easier said than done but always worth our greatest effort, because suffering begins and ends with self. Therefore the less attachment to a self identity, the less suffering is experienced.
Replacing greed and hatred with love, first for ourselves and then all beings.
Realizing that life as we experience it is like a dream, and what we make important is important only because we make it important.
This simple truth is experienced perhaps many times a day as we meet others who definitely do not have the same life values as we do, and of course, vice-versa.
In the end we will all die, and everything we have fought for, tried to hold on to and attempted to control will be seen as empty and left behind. All that will exist is Kamma, and so rebirths continue.
Dhamma is the greatest and most beautiful thing in the world and so is always worth our greatest effort, no matter what the circumstance or situation.
Our practice therefore is to gently, patiently, lovingly and consistently, sit every day and treat all beings with love and respect even if we don’t like them or think they don’t deserve it. Our practice is not for them – it’s for us, to change our heart so we can be with others and not suffer, so we can bring something of value to the world, and so it is said; when one more person turns to the practice of love and awareness, the whole world benefits.
May all beings be happy.
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Teachings
Summer retreat: 9 days
July 2024: 1st to 10th.
Kuckucksnest.
Details: PureDhamma team
Autumn retreat
October 2024: 10th to 13th.
Kuckucksnest.
Details: PureDhamma team
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Koan:
Master Joshu was sweeping the monastery grounds when a layman approached and said, “you are a great Dhamma master, but where does this dirt come from?
“It comes from outside,” was the reply
“But this is a pure monastery, how can the dirt come in?”
“Here is more.” replied the Master.
Quotation:
Waiting is always suffering.
From A journey to Awakening, by Michael Kewley.
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