Chapter 4 - Understanding the Buddha's Teachings

Question 1

define:

Dharma talk

2

Answer 1

• a means of presenting insight, using words and concepts
• not insight in and of itself

Question 2

define:

Dharma rain

2

Answer 2

• permeates seeds buried deep in soil of consciousness
• allows us to not work too hard reading or listening

Question 3

How can a teacher give us the truth?

3

Answer 3

• trick question: they can’t
• the truth is already in us
• we only need to open ourselves - body, mind, heart - so teachings penetrate our own seeds of understanding and enlightenment

Question 4

How should we feel after reading a sutra or any spiritual text?

Answer 4

• Lighter, not heavier

Question 5

“My teaching is like a finger pointing to the moon” Next line?

Answer 5

• “Do not mistake the finger for the moon”

Question 6

How can Buddhist teachings help us?

Answer 6

• by awakening our true self, not merely adding to our storehouse of knowledge