The teaching of Oneness in Mahayana Buddhism is one of the most important, and oft-misunderstood portions of the Dharma. If we understand it, then practices like compassion and loving-kindness naturally become part of our lives. However, if we misunderstand it, feelings of fatalism are the result. One of my favorite explanations of this teaching can be found in the Vimalakirti Sutra. In it, a wealthy Layman name Vimalakirti falls ill, and it soon becomes apparent that he's going to die. In his wisdom, Buddha sent Manjushri to Vimalkirti's home to see if anything could be done. When he arrived Manjushri asked Vimalakirti, "Why are you sick?" And the dying man responded by saying: This illness of mine is born of ignorance and feelings of attachment. Because all living beings are sick, therefore I am sick. If all living beings are relieved of sickness, then my sickness will be mended. Why? Because the bodhisattva for the sake of living beings e
Comments
Post a Comment