Ampubbena medhari
thoka thokam khane khana
Kammaro rajatass eva
niddhame malam attano
Dhammapada 239
By degrees, little by little, from time to time ,
a wise person should remove his own
Impurities, as a smith removes
(the dross of ) silver
As human beings we carry a lot of impurities in our minds. Some carry more and some carry less. Those who had practiced the Buddha Dharma, engaged in self purification and lived a life of virtue in their previous lives will have fewer impurities to remove.
Whether we have more or fewer impurities, we have to remove them by degrees, little by little and from time to time. No one can purify for another: just like no one can eat for another to appease the hunger. One only has to look at the patients in the hospital who are on drips; no one can eat for them. Similarly no one can learn for another. We cannot learn for our grandmothers even though we love our grandmothers very much. They have to do it themselves. Similarly, no one can purify us and certainly no ritual can purify us. Taking a dip in certain rivers cannot purify us. Shaving the head and going through religious ceremonies cannot purify us. We have to remove all the impurities in our mind patiently as the Lord Buddha did it Himself for six long years all by Himself in the forest of India.
Whether it is a priest, a monk, a swamiji, a guruji or a layman, the procedure or method is the same. It is to start a life of purification that one takes to the orange robe; not to lead a quiet comfortable life. It is a sign of renunciation of material comfort, etc.
Unfortunately, many are unaware of this aim. Many are unaware of the true meaning of renunciation. Renunciation requires serious discipline, serious meditation and solitude, away from the hustle bustle of city life and less involvement in public life. Examine the life of Lord Buddha. There are ample books on the Life and Teachings of Lord Buddha; a reading paradise waiting to be explored by those who have the reading ability and a taste for spiritual books.
In my forty years of search for Truth I found, in all sincerity, that people who take up to renunciation are unable to find good teachers to guide them. Wearing the yellow robe does not make a person holy; a person does not automatically become holy by adorning a yellow robe. Shaving the head does not automatically make a person holy. Today a bald head has become fashion. Even though it was the last birth, the Lord Buddha had to meditate day and night in the forest environment with few amenities, and undertake so many disciplines and do serious meditation for years before He could get release from the cycle of birth and death. Where do we stand? Before we can bless others we must ask ourselves whether we have advanced in the spiritual path. Advancement in the spiritual path is different from advancement in the financial institution or social ladder.
Seniority in the religious path does not mean great advancement in the spiritual path; all our seniority, religious titles and special clothes have nothing to do with spiritual advancement. The Lord Buddha proved it by His own life and practice. Unless we discipline ourselves, study the Dharma books, become more spiritual and less material and work towards our salvation there is no spiritual advancement.
It is no point propagating customs and traditions and rituals if we are interested in Nirvana. The Teaching of Lord Buddha is for freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Let us not confuse ourselves with those who are not ready for serious study and practice.
In the absence of an enlightened teacher, let us put our faith in books like the Dhammapada, Visuddhimagga - The Path of Purification by Bhadantacariya Buddhaghosa , Sutras, etc. Self Help and Self Study are extremely important. The world is short of spiritual guides who are grounded in Dharmic disciplines and with an aim in cutting through the cycle of Birth and Death.
Just reflect on what is happening on the worldly side. From the time a child is born and taught by parents, kindergarten teachers, primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, personal tutors, motivation courses, revision courses, and university lecturers before he can even obtain a third class basic degree.
If only a renunciate or one who has taken to the spiritual path can study and train oneself as it is done on the academic path or professional path how great will be the spiritual progress, how great will be our spiritual life! The Buddha Himself will bless us and guide us. If the Buddha Himself does not guide a forest yogi, who else will?
As the Buddha Himself said, “ He who sees my Teaching sees Me.” Know the Teaching and live by it.
Unfortunately unlike in the world of academics such tuition centres, super tutors and motivators are not available in the spiritual side. So many while away their time. There is no substitute for good, wise and dedicated spiritual teachers. It is extremely difficult to make rapid progress in the spiritual path. This is why an enlightened being is so rare in this world.
Start a little at a time, have faith in the Buddha Dharma. Self effort is what is required. Spiritual knowledge is necessary before one can take to the spiritual path. Knowledge, self help and self reliance is necessary. Reflect on the Life of the Lord Buddha regularly. The Lord Buddha rejected many things and had the courage to go on his own.
Tiny drops of water make the mighty ocean.
As the great Chinese proverb says, “ The longest journey begins with a single
step.”
Do not waste life. It does not matter if you have failed in many other ventures; give this a try too.
We are lucky to be born in a country where there is peace, harmony, food, transport and good books to guide us.
Good luck to all daring spiritual adventurers. I have put down my thoughts; what I have realized in my search for the path and practice in forty years. You can accept it or reject it outright. You are under no obligation to agree with me. I am determined to see what I can do in this life. I know I have the Grace of the Lord to depend on. If the Buddha does not help a forest hermit who else will?
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhasa Homage to Him, the Blessed One, the exalted One the Fully-Enlightened One.
Guruji.
Roshi Lingam
