Sunday, July 27, 2014

Dhammapada Verse 76

Verse 76

                Only blessings can arise 
          from seeking the company of wise
               and discerning persons,
who skilfully offer both admonition and advice
        as if guiding one to hidden treasure.


Reflection

There are two ways of approaching our practice:
one is to assume we need to acquire something
more; the other is to assume we have what we
need - but it's just that we can't quite locate it. In
this verse the Buddha gives us an image of hidden
treasure waiting to be found. We won't find it
outside ourselves; it is to be found in our own
hearts. We don't recognise this treasure because
we have already too much : to much grasping,
too much resisting. It is profound blessing to
meet someone wise with discernment, ripe with
compassion who is willing to guide us to freedom
from the habits that obstruct us.  They might
lead us through treacherous swamps of doubt or
over threatening mountains of desire but only
blessings can arise if we honour their example and
follow the journey to the end. 
Ajahn Munindo

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