量ることができないもの
Things that cannot be measured
2024-01-31 17:00:00
In some cases, among practitioners, there are those who boast about having read numerous Buddhist scriptures, devoted long periods to Zen meditation, or taught Buddhism to many people.
Even if they don't explicitly express these achievements out loud, if they harbor such thoughts within themselves, it is tantamount to proclaiming it outwardly.
The person essentially wants to convey the following:
"I have undertaken this much practice, and I have gained this much understanding. My practice is undoubtedly progressing."
However, such quantifiable practices, no matter how diligently pursued, cannot yield significant merits.
This is because it is evident that the individual is clinging to gradual understanding (=step-by-step teachings), which is clearly divergent from the essence of the path of enlightenment, sudden insight.
Of course, it doesn't mean that practice is unnecessary just because the essence is sudden insight.
In fact, to truly experience sudden insight, one must diligently engage in practice and accumulate merits.
However, the nature of Buddhist practice is not like a training where quantity transforms into quality.
The essence of Buddhist practice lies in deepening the fundamental faith that everyone can attain enlightenment and becoming more mindful.
It is through such mindfulness that one can approach the opportunity for enlightenment, never missing the chance to hear the rare teachings of the Dharma, creating the conditions for enlightenment, and ultimately attaining and completing enlightenment (=Buddhahood).
Therefore, I (=SRKW Buddha) explain as follows:
"A mindful person is a beginner, always returning to the basics and diligently practicing, and it is for this reason that they become a master of the path, well-versed in the ways of enlightenment."
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