奇抜な修行は近道とはならない
A bizarre training method is not a shortcut
2024-08-07 18:00:00
In reality, one cannot achieve enlightenment (= liberation) by forming a group.
However, that does not mean that doing things differently from others will necessarily lead to enlightenment.
So, what is the true essence of this?
It is that each practitioner of the Buddhist path creates the conditions for their own enlightenment, and ultimately attains liberation through their unique causes and conditions.
Therefore, chanting sutras, copying sutras, or performing virtuous acts as a group does not accumulate merit and does not constitute true Buddhist practice.
However, chanting sutras, copying sutras, and performing virtuous acts in themselves undoubtedly constitute Buddhist practice.
Although this may seem contradictory, the point is that actions and behaviors themselves do not automatically lead to the accumulation of merit. Instead, it is the practitioner's fundamental "that" which serves as the foundation for accumulating merit, and upon this basis, Buddhist practice is carried out.
Therefore, even if the practice method is an imitation of others, if the practitioner performs it with the right mindset and wishes to use it as an opportunity to understand the truth, it can be considered genuine Buddhist practice.
The reason why it is taught that "Buddhist practice is a personal matter from beginning to end" and "walk alone like the rhinoceros horn" is that these serve as the foundation to establish each person's practice as true Buddhist practice.
Even a dedicated practitioner of Buddhism usually starts as a beginner, unable to distinguish right from left and imitating what they see. This is perfectly fine.
However, a wise person eventually manages to establish their practice as genuine Buddhist practice on their own.
Moreover, they approach matters before them with a fresh perspective, never forgetting their initial resolve, and strive to discern the true essence of things.
This becomes the correct path, gradually accumulating merit until one finally achieves enlightenment (= liberation).
Therefore, you should understand that Buddhist practice is never something eccentric.
Moreover, it is taught that asceticism is futile.
People do not attain enlightenment through something unusual; instead, by walking this singular path exactly as taught in the Buddhist scriptures, they ultimately become Buddhas according to their own causes and conditions.
***
