Chapter 28 - Touching the Buddha Within Flashcards
1
Q
Should we expect understanding and love?
2
A
- not only
- we should practise them ourselves
2
Q
What is the real question re: being in touch with life in the present?
2
A
- do you have eyes that can see the sunset? feet that can touch the earth?
- if the Buddha were to transmit his eyes to you, would you know how to use them?
3
Q
How do we touch the Buddha within?
5
A
- when we are mindful, the Buddha is there
- watering healthy seeds every day through breathing, walking, doing everything mindfully
- to enter our own heart = to enter the Buddha’s heart
- to enter our own heart = to be present for ourselves, our suffering, our joys and for many others
- to enter our own heart = to touch the world of no birth and no death where water and wave are one
4
Q
What happens when a foolish person suffers vs. when a wise person suffers?
2
A
- she who is foolish asks herself, “Who has wronged me? How can I show others that I am the victim of wrongdoing? How can I punish those who have caused my suffering?”
- she who is wise asks herself, “What can I do to be free from this suffering? Who can help me? What have I done (so far) to free myself from this suffering?”
5
Q
As a teacher, I need to help to do what?
A
- To create the kind of schools we need for our collective awakening
6
Q
What do I do when no one seems to love or understand me?
8
A
- don’t complain
- make the effort to understand and love them better
- if someone betrayed me, ask why - if I feel responsibility lies with them, look more deeply
- ask myself if I watered perhaps the seed of betrayal in them
- ask myself if I lived in a way that caused them to withdraw
- know we are all co-responsible and if I hold onto blame, the situation will only get worse
- if i can water loyalty, do it
- look deeply into the nature of my own suffering to restore relationship
7
Q
How to begin practising?
5
A
- seek meaning in life knowing not to run after fame, money or sensual pleasures
- learn the art of mindful living
- develop understanding and compassion, and use these energies to alleviate my and others’ suffering
- look deeply into Five Aggregates to touch no birth and no death
- experience relief, non-fear and freedom
8
Q
How can we be happy right away?
A
- practising mindful breathing for a few seconds
9
Q
Of course, we have the right to suffer. What do we not have the right to do?
A
- to not practise
10
Q
As well as our habit energies, what else do we bring with us when we begin to practise?
A
- habit energies of all our ancestors
11
Q
Where, what and who is beautiful?
3
A
- Vulture Peak, Europe, Asia, Africa etc
- mist on mountains, no mist on mountains etc
- you, me, all our friends etc
12
Q
What kind of smile can we have when we are mindful?
A
- one that proves our transformation
13
Q
What did Confucius express as a greatest joy?
A
- putting into practice what we have learned
