Being Buddha
What does it mean to "be Buddha"?
I've been thinking alot about this, especially since diving into (and thoroughly enjoying) a wonderful anthology, Buddhism Through American Women's Eyes. Edited by Karma Lkshe Tsomo, it invites us to look at how Western women live out and struggle with the dharma, as well as the institution of Buddhism.
The essay, "Being Buddha" by Prabhasa Dharma, offers these powerful thoughts on how we can see all beings as Buddha. This selection has been haunting my thoughts—in a good way. :-) Her words ring out with clarity and truth—simple teachings that get to the core of what it means to be a human being. I share the portion that has touched my heart the most ...
"The youngest member of our Institute is now one year old and he truly meditates. When he was still in his mother's tummy, he was sitting with her. When the mother was in labor, the doctor said, "We are going to have to turn this baby around, because he's sitting up in you." Just minutes later, as if he had heard the words, the baby suddenly made a somersault and turned around. He came out just at the right time. I gave the mother the "Om mani padme hum" mantra to chant, and a melodious way to chant it. After the baby was born I told him, "You might as well be happy, because the alternative is to be unhappy, and who wants to be unhappy? You might as well be kind, because the alternative is to be unkind, and who wants to be unkind? You might as well be peaceful, because the alternative is to be angry, and who wants to be angry?"
We can say the same thing to ourselves. We might as well be happy, because the alternative is to be unhappy. We might as well be friendly, because the alternative is to be unfriendly. When we are kind to others, laughing and joyful, we are doing the best service to ourselves. Our energy and patience grow and we are able to affirm others. There is nothing else to learn or teach. The result of all the struggles we go through in meditation is to be love. That is actually what every religion teaches."
How does this dharma teaching strike you?
Is there something here that touches your heart?
I'd love to hear. ~~~~~~~~
Congratulations to "Just a Girl"! She is the winner of Colin Tippings' fabulous new book, "Radical Self-Forgiveness." Enjoy!
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9 comments:
I love the concept of "you might as well...". Choosing happiness and kindness is really that simple.
Mindfulness practice has been such a gift to me and I am grateful to finally be in a space to hear and receive the Buddha's teachings.
Thank you for your contribution to my dharma.
Would that all beings are taught these simple truths upon entering the world..
I felt my heart open a bit more at reading this wonderful post.
Thank you Jan!
Lianne,
Welcome, I love it too. Choosing happiness and kindness as you say CAN be simple. Yet, we make it so complex, impossible....
Blessings upon your dharma practice.
Anonymous,
Yes, to heart opening. :-) I am glad this touched you. I concur, may all being move lean into the realm of being love.
This strikes me as an indisputable truth Jan...we receive what we give...it is a circle.
thank you, wise friend for sharing this with us.
This makes a lot of sense. I'd just like to add that even when anger or something difficult arises, we might as well find love. It's so much nicer:)
Laura, and thank you for your lovely comment to. May the circle continue of being and giving and receiving...
Mermaid, yes, you are right. Really, what is a more obvious and kind choice? xo
So poignant and touching on the deepest of levels! I think this should be added to my "to-read" list :) Thank you Janice!
Michele,
You are most welcome. It is an excellent book! Nice to have you here again. Blessings to you...
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