Page 13 - EH57

FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 11

we are able to penetrate through the emptiness of our In order to avoid such pitfalls it is important for serious
sensory perception. practitioners to receive proper guidance from realized
teachers.
If we practice systematically by going through step
by step with proper guidance, we will know how we Any final advice for lay Buddhists how they should
have progressed on the Dhamma’s path. With the study and practice the Dhamma so that they will
cultivation of Mindfulness Meditation we will be able finally realize the truth taught by the Buddha?
to experience and recognize the different mental states,
such as the different Jhānas or mental absorptions, Cultivate generosity. Be prepared to make sacrifices and
before proceeding on to the development of insight or to invest your time, energy, and money in the pursuit of
Vipassanā. There are also different Ñanas or insight the Buddha Dhamma.
knowledges which we need to go through and recognize
before attaining to the different stages of enlightenment. Make the right connections by associating with true
Without proper guidance, we may tend to interpret our spiritual friends or Kalyāṇa-mittatā.
own experience with our limited understanding of the Develop the qualities of reverence, humility, contentment
Dhamma. This may lead to hallucinations. and gratitude and the timely listening to the Dhamma.

In order to know whether we have realized the true Reflect on the preciousness of the human life and the
Dhamma, we need to check ourselves to see whether realities of our existence such as old age, sickness and
the tendencies of grasping, aversion and delusion are death. And get your priorities right.
still present. This may take some time. We need to check
ourselves when our mind is in its natural state, not Above all, be sincere and truthful in your quest for the
fixed, or conditioned. Truth, and have faith and confidence in the Buddha,
Dhamma and Saṅgha.
When our minds are fixed and conditioned,
hallucination can occur. If we have heard or read May the Dhamma unfold in your hearts!
something about Nibbāna being blissful and empty in May you grow in wisdom and compassion and help
nature, through imagination we may create such mental others - whoever that comes your way.
states. May all beings be well and happy! EH