THE
PURPOSE OF STUDYING BUDDHISM is not to study Buddhism, but
to study ourselves. It is impossible to study ourselves without
some teaching. If you want to know what water is you need
science, and the scientist needs a laboratory. In the laboratory
there are various ways in which to study water. Thus it is
possible to know what kind of elements water has, the various
forms it takes, and its nature. But it is impossible thereby to
know water itself.
It is the same thing with us. We need some teaching, but just by
studying the teaching alone, it is impossible to know what "I"
myself am. Through the teaching we may understand our human
nature. But the teaching is not we ourselves; it is some
explanation of ourselves. So if you are attached to the teaching
or to the teacher, that is a big mistake. The moment you meet a
teacher, you should leave the teacher, and you should be
independent. You need a teacher so that you can become
independent. If you are not attached to him, the teacher will
show you the way to yourself. You have a teacher for yourself,
not for the teacher.
The purpose of studying Buddhism is to study ourselves and to
forget ourselves. When we forget ourselves, we actually are the
true activity of the big existence or reality itself. When we
realize this fact, there is no problem whatsoever in this world,
and we can enjoy our life without feeling any difficulties. The
purpose of our practice is to be aware of this fact.
A: Can a man be possessed of two identities, two selves?
To understand this matter it is first necessary for a man to
analyze himself. Because
it has long been his habit to think as others think, he has
never faced his "I" in the true manner. He has not a correct
picture of himself; he has too long identified himself with the
body and the brain. Therefore I tell you to pursue this enquiry,
"Who am I?" You ask me to describe this
true Self to you. What can be said? It is That out of which the
sense of the personal "I" arises and into which it will have to
disappear.
Q: Disappear? How can one lose the feeling of one's
personality?
A: The first and foremost of all thoughts, the primeval
thought in the mind of every man is the thought "I". It is only
after the birth of this thought that any other thoughts can
arise at all. It is only after the first personal pronoun "I"
has arisen that the second personal pronoun "you" can make its
appearance. If you could mentally follow the "I" thread until it
led you back to its source you would discover that just as it is
the first thought to appear, so it is the last to disappear.
This is a matter which can be experienced.
Q: You mean that it is possible to conduct such a mental
investigation into oneself?
A: Certainly. It is possible to go inwards until the last
thought "I" gradually vanishes.
Q: What is then left? Will a man become quite
unconscious, or will he become an idiot?
A: No, on the contrary. He will attain that consciousness
which is immortal and he will become truly wise when he has
awakened to his true Self, which is the real nature of man.
Q: But surely the sense of "I" must also pertain to that?
A: The sense of "I" pertains to the person, the body and
the brain. When a man knows his true Self for the first time
something else arises from the depths of his being and takes
possession of him. That something is behind the mind; it is
infinite, divine, eternal. Some people call it the Kingdom of
Heaven. Others call it the soul, and others again Nirvana, and
Hindus call it Liberation. You may give it what name you wish.
When this happens a man has not really lost himself, rather he
has found himself.
Unless and until a man embarks on this quest of the true Self,
doubt and uncertainty will follow his footsteps through life.
The greatest kings and statesmen try to rule others when in
their heart of hearts they know they cannot rule themselves. Yet
the greatest power is at the command of the man who has
penetrated his inmost depth. What is the use of knowing about
everything else when you do not yet know who you are? Men avoid
this enquiry into the true Self, but what else is there so
worthy to be undertaken?
2. Thursday night
Potluck Supper. Prayer and medication to follow.
3. Remember in
prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
4. For those of
you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery
downstairs.
5. The rosebud on
the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan
Belzer, the sin of Reverend and Mrs. Julius Belzer.
6. This afternoon
there will be a meeting in the south and north ends of the
church. Children will be baptized at both ends.
7. This being
Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an
egg on the altar.
8. Next Sunday, a
special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new
carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will
come forward and get a piece of paper.
9. At the evening
service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come
early and listen to our choir practice.
10. The Senior
Choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning
to join the choir.
The
One Life
● One Heart
● One Love
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THE
PURPOSE OF STUDYING BUDDHISM is not to study Buddhism, but
to study ourselves. It is impossible to study ourselves without
some teaching. If you want to know what water is you need
science, and the scientist needs a laboratory. In the laboratory
there are various ways in which to study water. Thus it is
possible to know what kind of elements water has, the various
forms it takes, and its nature. But it is impossible thereby to
know water itself.
Q: What exactly is the Self of which you speak?
A: The sense of "I" pertains to the person, the body and
the brain. When a man knows his true Self for the first time
something else arises from the depths of his being and takes
possession of him. That something is behind the mind; it is
infinite, divine, eternal. Some people call it the Kingdom of
Heaven. Others call it the soul, and others again Nirvana, and
Hindus call it Liberation. You may give it what name you wish.
When this happens a man has not really lost himself, rather he
has found himself.
1. Don't let
worry kill you. Let the Church help.