We are aware that there are self-appointed arbiters of what is and is not the "best" of contemporary Buddhist writing. Frankly, we find that we see a rather narrow, commercially-centered editorial view and a cast of usual characters. Therefore, we see the "best" that others direct us to see from profit motive, and then we see the rare jewels reflective of true experience.
Take just a moment and read these observations by a Western nun, living in solitude, caring for abused creatures. Take just a moment and see what you've been missing. Go there, learn what the English language can do when driven by a clear heart, and then find a way to support this nun's modest requirements.
Rinpoche always taught us that loud falsehoods are drowned by the wind of whispered truths. He told us that even if we whisper the smallest truth to the wall of a cave, it will meet with assent at a thousand miles. I therefore do not intend my words to be harsh. I rather intend them to underscore the beauty we do not see because some organs of Buddhist media in the West neglect their higher obligation.
For some reason, I am reminded of Rinpoche's favorite passage from the Vimalakirtinirdesa Sutra, which reads in part: "He visited the fashionable teachers, yet always kept unswerving loyalty to the Buddha. He understood the mundane and transcendental sciences and esoteric practices, yet always took pleasure in the delights of the Dharma."
We do hear a great deal from the fashionable teachers. Now lets take pleasure in the delights of the Dharma.
Take just a moment and read these observations by a Western nun, living in solitude, caring for abused creatures. Take just a moment and see what you've been missing. Go there, learn what the English language can do when driven by a clear heart, and then find a way to support this nun's modest requirements.
Rinpoche always taught us that loud falsehoods are drowned by the wind of whispered truths. He told us that even if we whisper the smallest truth to the wall of a cave, it will meet with assent at a thousand miles. I therefore do not intend my words to be harsh. I rather intend them to underscore the beauty we do not see because some organs of Buddhist media in the West neglect their higher obligation.
For some reason, I am reminded of Rinpoche's favorite passage from the Vimalakirtinirdesa Sutra, which reads in part: "He visited the fashionable teachers, yet always kept unswerving loyalty to the Buddha. He understood the mundane and transcendental sciences and esoteric practices, yet always took pleasure in the delights of the Dharma."
We do hear a great deal from the fashionable teachers. Now lets take pleasure in the delights of the Dharma.
2 reader comments:
Can you fix the link to the nun's writing please? with heartfelt thanks
Rinpohce
I am humbled, thank you. You have been a catalyst and inspiration to the expression of the words in my heart. They are in everyone's heart, I have come to understand that. They are not even hidden, but somehow we forget. But the wind and the earth, and all that seems to be, never ceases to remind us. You helped remind me.
Post a Comment