聖求を自覚する瞬間
Moment of realizing the sacred quest
2024-03-05 17:00:00
If you have a driver's license and own a private vehicle, you may have the opportunity to test drive cars at automobile dealerships.
Now, what is the reason that dealerships provide test drive cars for their customers?
Of course, the aim is to have customers experience driving the car firsthand and appeal to the merits of the new vehicle to facilitate sales. However, the actual motivation for customers to switch to a new car is not solely based on the test drive experience itself.
So, where does that crucial turning point lie? It's when they drive their own car after the test drive.
If one feels that their own car is dilapidated, their motivation to upgrade increases.
Conversely, if the merits of their own car remain intact, they wouldn't consider switching.
Interestingly, the moment when a practitioner seeking the state of enlightenment becomes aware of the aspiration for the sacred quest is similar to this situation.
Specifically, when a practitioner encounters the words and actions of a virtuous guide (incarnation) or a living Tathāgata, and upon reflecting on oneself, feels a sense of shabbiness and realizes that things cannot continue as they are, it is safe to say that they have become aware of their aspiration for the sacred quest.
Conversely, if despite encountering a virtuous guide (incarnation) or a living Tathāgata, there is no change in one's own condition or attitude toward practice, it can be considered that they do not harbor the aspiration for the sacred quest. In this case, enlightenment (=liberation) would seem distant.
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