Turtle

"Imagine that the whole earth was covered with water, and a man was to throw a yoke with a hole in it into the water. Blown by the wind, that yoke would drift north, south, east and west. Now, suppose that once in hundred years a blind turtle would rise to the surface. What do you think? Would that turtle put his head through the hole in the yoke as he rose to the surface once in a hundred years?"

"It is unlikely Lord."

"Well, it is just as unlikely that one will be born as a human being; it is just unlikely that a Tathagata, a Noble One, a fully enlightened Buddha should arise in the world; and it is just as unlikely that the Dhamma and discipline of the Tathagata should be taught. But now you have been born as a human being, a Tathagata has arisen and the Dhamma has been taught. Therefore, strive to realize the Four Noble Truths."

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Perceptions

In the recent conversations I've had, I've noticed how frequent we judge something based on our own perceptions. We make comments on why people do something, we say that something is good, we say that something is bad, we we think what we do not like is also what is not liked by everyone else, we think people will like what we like, we make "statements" which we honestly think are true, but in face everything is really based on our own judgment and perception.

How would we know that something is purely a perception and not a fact? Most of the time we will not know especially when dealing with our own perceptions. But I think it's worthwhile to make a start by looking at how we disagree with what other people say, and try to undertstand the underlying cause of where that statement comes from. I think you will agree with me that the most people honestly believe that what they say is true, but you may know it's not true because you might have seen beyond what they see. By trying to have this understanding, I think it would help when looking back at our own statements and be aware of why people may not agree with us.

I'd like to quote this statement from CA - who has quoted it from some Dharma master, but I couldn't remember who.. When one is enlightened, the things which are preached by that person is all facts and truth and reflects the reality, with no personal perceptions and feelings involved. He said that this statement is very profound, I'd like to say that I concur with it..

~ttg @ Realized Tranquility of the Heart~
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