A. The core of the Buddha’s teaching is to help people to escape from illusions. Typical illusions are words and doctrines made up of words. The key problem is that we cannot help but use words to transmit the Buddha’s teaching that we should not be deluded by words. This is why the Buddha said that we should see what his words pointed to instead of being attached to his words themselves. Some ancient masters would say that the Buddha’s words are no more than vessels to carry his teaching. So, we should try to recognise the Buddha’s teaching beyond words in his words.
Student: “What is the Buddha’s teaching beyond words?”
Master: “I’ve not found it although I have sought it for over thirty years.”
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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