The topic Rinpoche was asked to talk about at Bodhicharya Buddhist Group in Sussex was “Life as Illusion vs Life as Reality“. He gave a profound, yet easily accessible talk about the way things really are and how to live our lives within that view.
A SUMMARY
by Maggy Jones
(Video 1)
The real question is “What is reality?” It was predicted at Buddha’s birth that he would be either a great warrior or a great teacher. He reflected that even the greatest warrior cannot solve all problems; people will still suffer grief, and illness. He left the palace to find the solutions. We must change our reactions. Of course we must also look at outer difficulties, but that alone will not bring happiness. To see things as they really are is the foundation. Two levels of wisdom, the every-day wisdom or knowledge, and the transcendental. If you have a good knowledge of eg medicine, you can recognise diseases and advise and many will benefit. But you will still not be free from your own emotions until you develop the wisdom of knowing how things exist – including yourself. Start with basics; become aware that everything changes. Why? Because everything is composed of many parts – trillions of cells which self-renew, dependent-arising. It is the “same” river as you saw yesterday, but the water has changed. How you see things depends on your mind. Story of King’s grandchild. Everything depends on your perception.
(Video 2)
Prajnaparamita sutra sys “Although we want an explanation it is impossible to explain the transcendental wisdom. It is not something that has been created, therefore it will not cease”. You cannot pin-point it but you cannot say that it is not there; space can be judged like this. When you finally realise this, you may become a Buddha with no fears, no illusions, no hopes, no expectations. We must live our ordinary lives clearly and calmly, and develop compassion for those who are still trapped in samsaric thinking.
We all say we want compassion, but do we do it? No. So we have war and hatred. If we could even increase what kindness and compassion we have by a small amount that positive approach would benefit many. These two things: ultimate level – wisdom; relative level – compassion. Q & A
(Video 3)
Q & A continued.
Until people transform there will be trouble. We must try to something to change attitudes.
For more information, visit: https://www.bbgbosham.org/