Part 14-11
“They should not have the mind dwelling on form, they should not have the mind dwelling on sound, scent, flavour, feeling, or phenomena. They should have the mind that does not dwell on anything.” “If the mind dwells anywhere, this is not a righteous life.” “This is why Buddha says the minds of Bodhisattvas should not dwell on matter as they give charity. Subhuti, Bodhisattvas should give in this way so as to benefit all beings.”
Commentary:
As mentioned previously, dwelling on things means being deluded by the illusions of things, which is the source of our unhappiness and suffering. That is why the Buddha said that dwelling on things is not a righteous life and told us not to dwell on anything.
Not dwelling on matter as Bodhisattvas give charity implies seeing one who gives charity, goods, or services used for charity and the beneficiary as one as the true-Self. Acting in this way is referred to as doing without doing, or the behaviour of the true-Self.
When we cannot see the three; giver, charity, and beneficiary as one, trying to see them as one is practice.
Student: “Why should we try to see the three as one?”
Master: “Because that is the way to see the Buddha.”
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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