EP 129. THE ENEMY WITHIN

Listening is an important quality of a wise person. A person who listens more than talks gains more knowledge than a talkative person.

What does seeing clearly mean in Buddhism? Seeing clearly is not about our vision with our two eyes. Seeing clearly points to the ultimate truth that is always there but difficult to see.

The mind is chief the mind preceeds all things.(Dhammapadda)Happiness and suffering reside in the mind, it is within. Understanding the mind within liberates us from sufferings.

The Teachings would mean nothing if there wasn't a guidance. The guidance has to be provided by a person who has clear understanding of the Dhamma. A noble teacher is just as valuable as the Dhamma itself.

The word enemy indicates someone or something that bothers us, disturbs us, takes away our peace and happiness. What is this enemy that is within us?

Fires burn fires do damages. When we have fires inside we are disturbed, we are restless, we are agitated. What are those fires? Get to know those fires inside to protect your peace of mind.

The EGO is not clearly understood by most people. In Buddha's Teachings, the Buddha shows that the ego is very much in control of our lives. Without understanding this ego we can never liberate ourselves from the bondage of sufferings.

Having awareness or Sati of the mind is a must have ingredient to reach the ultimate understanding of Nirvana. Without awareness of one's own mind is the same as walking blind folded in complete ignorance, knowing nothing of oneself.

The Buddha was the greatest doctor and his Teachings is the greatest medicine. However, it doesn't matter how effective the medicine is if the patience doesn't take it it has not effect on the patience. The cure for our human sufferings is here and available. Take it or not is one's decision.All you have to do is open your mind and listen.

The Four Great Refuges in Buddha's Teachings are Loving-Kindness (Metta), Compassion (Karuna), Joy in others happiness (Mudita), and Equanimity (Upekha).Loving-Kindness (Metta) is one the great abode Buddhists practice, take refuge under. The practice of loving-kindness requires a clear understanding in order to have true penetration. Otherwise loving-kindness cannot truly happens.