Our Awekened Twin

[Guest guest]

What, then, is the difference between an ignorant

sentient being and a Buddha? None.

 

To the above, I would amend, there is a subtle,

but very important difference: Suffering.

If it wasn't for suffering, Buddha would not

have bothered to preach.

 

It's the capacity to experience suffering,

regardless as how illusory suffering could be

considered, that makes the difference.

An ignorant sentient being and a Buddha may

be compared to identical twins laying side by

side in one bed. The Buddha twin is resting

peacefully, but wide awake; the ignorant twin

is having a frightful nightmare. The Buddha

twin shakes the sleeping twin awake, and the

illusory suffering vanishes. The Dharma is this compassionated act of

shaking the sleeping twin

to dispel suffering. Sometimes a gentle shake is

not enough, a slap is needed. The slap is Zen. )

 

p.s. Is it fair to awake someone from a beautiful

dream? You, of course, in your merciful wisdom,

must decide.

 

Pete