..續本文上一頁away in a chest. And don”t drag it out for discussion or to teach. That”s not the type of knowledge that penetrates inside. They are different types of knowledge.
When the reality of something is seen, it”s not the same as the written descriptions. For example, let”s say we write down the word ”sensual desire”. When sensual desire actually overwhelms the heart, it”s impossible that the written word can convey the same meaning as the reality. It”s the same with ”anger”. We can write the letters on a blackboard, but when we”re actually angry the experience is not the same. We can”t read those letters fast enough, and the heart is engulfed by rage.
This is an extremely important point. The theoretical teachings are accurate, but it”s essential to bring them into our hearts. It must be internalized. If the Dhamma isn”t brought into the heart, it”s not truly known. It”s not actually seen. I was no different. I didn”t study extensively, but I did do enough to pass some of the exams on Buddhist theory. One day I had the opportunity to listen to a Dhamma talk from a meditation master. As I listened, some disrespectful thoughts came up. I didn”t know how to listen to a real Dhamma talk. I couldn”t figure out what this wandering meditation monk was talking about. He was teaching as though it was coming from his own direct experience, as if he was after the truth.
As time went on and I gained some firsthand experience in the practice, I saw for myself the truth of what that monk taught. I understood how to understand. Insight then followed in its wake. Dhamma was taking root in my own heart and mind. It was a long, long time before I realized that everything that that wandering monk had taught came from what he”d seen for himself. The Dhamma he taught came directly from his own experience, not from a book. He spoke according to his understanding and insight. When I walked the Path myself, I came across every detail he”d described and had to admit he was right. So I continued on.
Try to take every opportunity you can to put effort into Dhamma practice. Whether it”s peaceful or not, don”t worry about it at this point. The highest priority is to set the wheels of practice in motion and create the causes for future liberation. If you”ve done the work, there”s no need to worry about the results. Don”t be anxious that you won”t gain results. Anxiety is not peaceful. If however, you don”t do the work, how can you expect results
How can you ever hope to see
It”s the one who searches who discovers. It”s the one who eats who”s full. Everything around us lies to us. Recognizing this even ten times is still pretty good. But the same old coot keeps telling us the same old lies and stories. If we know he”s lying, it”s not so bad, but it can be an exceedingly long time before we know. The old fellow comes and tries to hoodwink us with deception time and time again.
Practicing Dhamma means upholding virtue, developing samadhi and cultivating wisdom in our hearts. Remember and reflect on the Triple Gem: the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. Abandon absolutely everything without exception. Our own actions are the causes and conditions that will ripen in this very life. So strive on with sincerity.
Even if we have to sit in a chair to meditate, it”s still possible to focus our attention. In the beginning we don”t have to focus on many things - just our breath. If we prefer, we can mentally repeat the word ”Buddha”, ”Dhamma”, or ”Sangha” in conjunction with each breath. While focusing attention, resolve not to control the breath. If breathing seems laborious or uncomfortable, this indicates we”re not approaching it right. As long as we”re not yet at ease with the breath, it will seem too shallow or too deep, too subtle or too rough. However, once we re…
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