Q. I have studied the Sutras and practised meditation for over ten years. How long do I have to wait to attain enlightenment?

A. No one knows it. Maybe tomorrow, or this evening. What is certain is that it is not because enlightenment is sufficiently far away to be out of your reach that you cannot attain it easily. You have it in your hands all the time and are facing it at every moment.

Trying to attain enlightenment is like seeking to reach Britain while staying in London and like thinking over how to return to your home whilst sitting in your living room. If you recognise it any moment, that is the enlightenment. 

©Boo Ahm

All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway