Fw: [allspirit] Entering the Heart of the Buddha

[Guest guest]

- Gill Eardley

Allspirit

Friday, April 04, 2003 5:16 AM

[allspirit] Entering the Heart of the Buddha

The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching By Thich Nhat HanhEntering

the Heart of the BuddhaThe layman Vimalakirti said, "Because the

world is sick, I am sick. Because people suffer, I have to suffer."

This statement was also made by the Buddha. Please don't think that

because you are unhappy, because there is pain in your heart, that

you cannot go to the Buddha. It is exactly because there is pain in

your heart that communication is possible. Your suffering and my

suffering are the basic condition for us to enter the Buddha's heart,

and for the Buddha to enter our hearts. For forty-five years, the

Buddha said, over and over again, "I teach only suffering and the

transformation of suffering." When we recognize and acknowledge our

own suffering, the Buddha - which means the Buddha in us - will look

at it, discover what has brought it about, and prescribe a course of

action that can transform it into peace, joy, and liberation.

Suffering is the means the Buddha used to liberate himself, and it is

also the means by which we can become free.The ocean of suffering is

immense, but if you turn around, you can see the land. The seed of

suffering in you may be strong, but don't wait until you have no more

suffering before allowing yourself to be happy. When one tree in the

garden is sick, you have to care for it. But don't overlook all the

healthy trees. Even while you have pain in your heart, you can enjoy

the many wonders of life - the beautiful sunset, the smile of a

child, the many flowers and trees. To suffer is not enough. Please

don't be imprisoned by your suffering. If you have experienced

hunger, you know that having food is a miracle. If you have suffered

from the cold, you know the preciousness of warmth. When you have

suffered, you know how to appreciate the elements of paradise that

are present. If you dwell only in your suffering, you will miss

paradise. Don't ignore your suffering, but don't forget to enjoy the

wonders of life, for your sake and for the benefit of many beings.