You Are Your Own Teacher

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Jill

From: Rev. Yao Feng Shakya



Teachings by Ven. Ajahn Chah

Thus the Buddha said, ''I am enlightened through my own efforts, without any teacher.'' Have you read this story? A wanderer of another sect asked him, ''Who is your teacher?'' The Buddha answered, ''I have no teacher. I attained enlightenment by myself.'' But that wanderer just shook his head and went away. He thought the Buddha was making up a story and so he had no interest in what he said. He thought it was not possible to achieve anything without a teacher and guide.

It's like this: You study with a spiritual teacher and he tells you to give up greed and anger. He tells you they are harmful and that you need to get rid of them. Then you may practice and do that. But getting rid of greed and anger didn't come about just because he taught you; you had to actually practice and do that. Through practice you came to realize something for yourself. You see greed in your mind and give it up. You see anger in your mind and give it up. The teacher doesn't get rid of them for you. He tells you about getting rid of them, but it doesn't happen just because he tells you. You do the practice and come to realization. You understand these things for yourself.
-excerpt from "The Dhamma goes westward-by Ven. Ajahn Chah teachings-
http://www.forestsangha.org/chah.htm
© 2006 Wat Pah Nanachat

(painting by Rev.Yao Feng Shakya)


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