We call ourselves Buddhist. We always think that we need to go to a monastery, take refuge, make connections with high lamas , practice meditation, wear robes, do three-year retreat, etc.
Actually the point is more simple: All we need is one person, he or she, who is able to free our deluded mind. If the personal connection with that person can fix our mind, whether he or she is a Buddhist or Christian, religious or secular, that person who can really fix our mind is the buddha !
Don’t make your beliefs so solid. Even at the time of Buddha the followers connected directly to the Buddha himself. No colors, no big temples, no ceremonies; just person to person. So what you need is to find a person who has life experience and spiritual qualification that can fix your mind. That’s all you need. Take your time and be patient, that’s the key.
If you want to fall into more confusion there are many masters who will mess you up easily, for sure it will work, but for me confusion is not an option.
[Title photo by Richard A. Heckler]
Guru, you are simply AWESOME!!! (and COOL of course ^^) _/\_
Splendid advice amigo, although I have been told that the master finds you rather than you finding the master, or friend or whatever. and for sure it is easy to get confused in the many master/guru/learned ones framework.
Nice light…good image…congrats
Thank you
Cada vez mais me encanto com a fala do Venerável Kalu.
I can say from my experience that this is true. If I had not met my first teacher I would have never figured out what I needed to do.
I’d like to disagree, Rinpoche. Confusion has to do with wrong view, while you’re suggesting that the Guru’s view is irrelevant. I have to rely on my own reasoning, and as far as I can tell, someone who does not pierce through the view of dependent arising cannot clear away confusion from one’s own mind, let alone fix another person’s mind.
And if you say that the Buddhist and Christian views are the same, I will have to very respectfully disagree.
it sounds so simple…
Is it possible to hook up with Buddha directly, without the intermediary of a master? I mean, can’t your own enlightened mind guide you? Doesn’t it have to be your guide ultimately? I know Tibetan Buddhism ihad a very strong tradition of having a spiritual friend you can guide you, but ultimately isn’t this person helping you to recognize and follow your own enlightened mind?
Venerable Kalu, Hello.
Thank you very much for this valuable aid to the disciples who go astray. Thank you for, they, afford to go to the point.
With my deep gratitude and respect, I salute you.
Good continuation, sweet and wonderful moments.
You have been my virtual guide since many years along a strange path.
I feel the need to be in your physical presence once again.
Is there any chance you would grant me that favor ?
hmm nice to know, however where do you find a master? Does it depend on your karma? What if it is not in someone’s fate or karma to find a good teacher/master to teach them the way of the dharma? I think of this in the likes of a single man or woman searching for a partner and never being able to find one. They finally end up old and lonely. There are others who are able to find that special someone easily. This is how life goes…you never get the things that you want only the things that you don’t want…maybe that’s the case for a dharma teacher too. You can want a good teacher to teach you, however that teacher may not want you to be their student.
Confusion is not an option!
It is true, all religions are bogus, Buddhism , Christianity etc etc. It is the person who has achieved is living existance of the experience. Being in the presence does pull u there.
Dearest Kalu, You are absolutely correct. The Truth is the same, no matter what tradition one adheres to. The trappings – the robes, the words, the ceremonies – are different, but the destination is the same. The Supreme is within each of us, whether we call it Buddha, Shiva, Christ Consciousness, or whatever. Through a personal relationship with one who has attained the goal, we can fix our minds and attain That also.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom. You are obviously very far from confusion. Jai Gurudev! Namaste. -Cynthia
So much love and gratitude to you always, Kalu.
me too. and all we need you,Dear Kalu Rimpoche.