Master of Buddhism Lesson 8

Master of Buddhism lesson 8

Questions
1. What socially-driven, pre-conditioned ideas might a person have to give up in order to have faith in nirvana?

The western idea of success. Success in North America is usually thought to be a combination of financial and material
accumulation. The idea that things (big houses, cars, etc) and ideas (money, time, importance, etc) can lead to a secure happiness is a mistaken one. It is these two main factors that drive western cultured people to misery and fear - hence, suffering. Nirvana requires that one understands that such things are in fact, just things. How can happiness be founded upon that which can be removed from you?


2. As we have said, the lotus flower is frequently used as a comparison to enlightenment. Can you think of another image that could be compared, metaphorically?

A mountain stream might be a good comparison. Image that the water is rushing downhill very quickly and in its race, it picks up sticks and debris and carries it downstream as well. Because the it is a cold, pure stream, one can see right to the bottom. There sits a stone that too heavy for the water to pick up or to push forward so it sits on the bottom of the stream. The stone watches the stream rush past. The stone is nirvana. The stream is our thoughts.

3. If so, write a small poem about the comparison.

Cold still rock
in the riverbed
watches
as ice water
madly rushes
past.

Unmoved.
Undisturbed.
To what do you rush?