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Quotes

Twin Wings

4 Aug 2015
by tdeditors
8 Comments

Even the eagle, king of birds,
cannot fly if he is missing a wing.
Many find the wing ‘perception of emptiness’,
But only those who have also the wing of Bodhicitta
Fly to the omniscient state of Buddhahood.

– The 7th Dalai Lama

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8 Comments

  • Both “wings” are difficult to perceive and even more so to realize. How then could one hope to reach Buddhahood. Such statement alone is not only useless to quote but also kills any Bodhi resolve thus taken.

  • The 7th Dalai Lama was no useless killer of Bodhicitta, but a nurturer, who was reminding us of the importance of perfecting both compassion and wisdom.

    No one said the worthiest spiritual goal is meant to be easy. Even worthy worldly goals are not easy to attain.

    That said, the path of skilful training via reaching a Buddha’s Pure Land makes the path to Buddhahood the most efficient and blissful. Buddhahood is guaranteed.

    In Pure Land, the perfection of wisdom of emptiness will be realised and perfect Bodhicitta will be given rise to.

    To learn more, please join this course: https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2015/05/understanding-amituofo-via-the-amitabha-sutra-16th-run/

  • Prajnamind … you are correct when you say that perception and realization are difficult. But, as WSX said, if it were easy, would your resolve remain as strong? That which is hardest to achieve, requiring discipline, focus and, yes, resolve are more precious to us than that which comes easily. Hard work, whether it be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual gives us confidence and inner/outer strength to continue on that path providing resolve to continue.

    Many, many times I wonder why I keep trying when I know that I will fail this lifetime. What keeps me going is that I have no where else to go. No other place where there is no judgment (except from myself), where there is always compassion and understanding, where I am allowed to be myself and grow at my own pace.

    I have no choice, I’ve realized, than to follow to path that I’ve luckily stumbled upon.

    Namaste. 🙂

  • @Merrlyn. Yes, some people take hard work as a motivating factor to strife for success, but not all. Most, probably get discourage instead. My point is that if the twin wing is difficult to attain, why use it as an example. The Buddha had said, in the end time, not many will be enlightened.
    Would it not be easier and better to encourage one to adopt the Pureland method for salvation, relying mostly on Amitabha’s power, rather than self-power.

  • Dear Prajnamind, it is up to each of us to find our own way toward the Pureland. Some find this way easier than that way, but so long as we get there does the actual Path matter?

    For instance, I was raised a Catholic and I believe that many Catholics have been able to reach the Pureland (or Heaven). Somehow they are able to circumvent the dividing rhetoric and touch only on the words of Jesus. I knew such a nun and I wanted to be like her. But I found that the ‘extras’ that Jesus’ followers piled up around his truly inspiring words drowned his intent in a divisive manner. Sister Rita was able to hear only Jesus’ words … I got judgmental and couldn’t hear anything. So began my search.

    I will not go back to Christianity because the rhetoric can be so contrary to Jesus’ teachings that it saddens me. Isn’t it odd that I should find Buddha’s teaching easier to hear? But it’s not just his teachings but also his followers that inspire me to continue on, that allow me to find my way.

    Maybe you, Prajnamind, have yet to find your own way? Find what speaks to you within Buddhism (your heart and mind will tell you when you’ve heard it) and follow it faithfully. For what does not speak to us cannot teach us; and what we Do absorb, we Become.

    Namaste. 🙂

  • Yes Dear Merrlyn, there are many doors to take towards our ultimate enlightenment.
    I have found mine in the Pureland School of Buddhism.
    May you also be at peace with yours.

  • 🙂 Thank you Prajnamind for your good wishes.

    And WSX, thank You for the links. I will definitely check them out, hopefully, tomorrow. Time now for me to sleep and dream.

    Namaste. 🙂

Please Be Mindful Of Your Speech, Namo Amituofo!

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