Robert Fettgather is a longtime psychology instructor who has extensive experience working with those with developmental disabilities. As co-founder of Tashi Lhunpo Sangha, Robert Fettgather helped grow and guide a community of likeminded people practicing meditation and studying the dharma in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
It is only natural that we put people, places and institutions on a pedestal now and then. But some timeless wisdom suggests we should, in those cases, proceed with caution.
The saying "If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him" originates from the teachings of the Zen master Linji Yixuan. It is a provocative and paradoxical expression meant to challenge adherents to transcend the limitations of external authorities, including revered spiritual figures.
In Zen philosophy, the road symbolizes the path to self-realization, and meeting the Buddha represents encountering external wisdom or authority. The call to "kill him" is not a literal act of violence but rather a metaphorical directive to let go of attachment to external forms and concepts. By relinquishing such attachments, individuals can move beyond preconceived notions and dogmas, freeing themselves to experience a more direct and personal connection with the essence of enlightenment.
Here is a bottom line:"If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him" serves as a reminder that the path to enlightenment is a personal and internal journey. It encourages individuals to question, explore, and transcend the boundaries of conventional beliefs, fostering a deeper understanding of their true nature. Ultimately, the saying invites contemplation on the nature of spiritual growth, urging individuals to seek wisdom within themselves rather than relying solely on external authorities.
And in today's social media powered culture, it is a reminder to go easy on the latest celebrity fad and online influencer craze!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.