It is taught that India has three seasons.
In the writings of the ancients we can read that although
two-thirds of the year the Buddha instructed his nuns and monks to
travel by foot when necessary and to go for an alms walk every morning…
during the “rainy season” he recommended that
the ordained members of his Sangha limit themselves to
dwelling within one monastery and there to
receive alms offerings as well as teacher’s instructions, no less his blessings.
It is recorded that one year, a great schism developed in one
monastery over a very minor point.
The strife raged and began to effect other monasteries.
Hearing of this, the Buddha arrived at
the Monastery {at the center of the dispute} at
the beginning of the rains retreat.
The Buddha expressed his intention to heal the schism
as well as the hearts and minds of all those involved in it.
Three times the Buddha enthusiastically offered his help.
And three times the monastics vehemently rejected it,
insisting that
they had no use for Buddha’s assistance and
could handle the problem themselves.
And so the Buddha {and his retinue of but a hand-full of attendants}
retreated into the forest.
And there they spent the four months of the rainy retreat
in the woods, in the mud, in the rain.
This was the first time the Buddha was without
Sangha to teach, no less bless,
since before his enlightenment.
Oh how tragic it is, to
foolishly turn from teacher’s blessings especially
when they are needed most!
I do not wish to arrogantly think
“I can handle this myself and require no assistance.”
I do not desire to foolishly reject my teacher.
I do not want to tragically cut myself off from a
great ocean of wisdom and blessing…
how about you?
May you and yours be
happy and healthy!
Om Mani Padme Hum,
NON-sectarian Buddhist: Monk, Teacher, Healer and Tantrika
Who is Kwan Yin, Chenrezig, Avalokiteshvara and the Buddha of Compassion?
What is the difference between a Buddha, a Bodhisattva and a Boob?
What is the Six-syllable mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, and what does it mean?
What is Enlightenment?
What is the key to Breathing meditation?
What is Suffering?
Did you know it's possible to transform sorrow, anger and fear into joy, love, peace and the wisdom of Letting-go?
With so many meditation teachers, lamas, roshis, rinphoches, sifus, bhantes and methods to select from, how could you know which one to rely upon?
Could you be curious about the Bliss of Tantric Sex? Then check out essay #1 and Essay #2
How could Buddhism compare to other spiritual traditions?
What is the spiritual freedom and liberation that Buddha offers us?
What did the Dalai Lama say the Meaning of Life was, and what could that mean?
What is meant by Karma, causality and cause and effect?
.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment