Q. If the true-Self is gateless, formless, and pathless, then why are there teachers, teachings and practices?

A. Without teachers, how would it be known that the true-Self is gateless, formless, and pathless? Furthermore, you cannot know what this scripture means until you realise the true-Self in person. Jumping to a conclusion according to literal understanding, without experience, is to be deluded by illusions.

The fact that the true-Self is gateless, formless, and pathless makes teachers more necessary since they can help those who, not knowing which direction to take and what to begin with, are wandering about, by presenting fake gates and fake paths as a temporary expedient. This is why all Buddha’s talks are said to be just expedients.

©Boo Ahm

All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway

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