Even if one should seize the hem of my robe and walk step by step behind me, if he is covetous in his desires, fierce in his longings, malevolent of heart, with corrupt mind, careless and unrestrained, noisy and distracted and with uncontrolled senses, he is far from me. And why? He does not see the Dhamma, and not seeing the Dhamma, he does not see me. Even if one lives a hundred miles away, if he is not covetous in his desires, not fierce in his longings, with a kind heart and pure mind, mindful, composed, calmed, one-pointed and with restrained senses, then indeed, he is near to me and I am near to him. And why? He sees the Dhamma, and seeing the Dhamma, he sees me (It. 91). Friday, February 19, 2010
The Hem Of His Robe
Even if one should seize the hem of my robe and walk step by step behind me, if he is covetous in his desires, fierce in his longings, malevolent of heart, with corrupt mind, careless and unrestrained, noisy and distracted and with uncontrolled senses, he is far from me. And why? He does not see the Dhamma, and not seeing the Dhamma, he does not see me. Even if one lives a hundred miles away, if he is not covetous in his desires, not fierce in his longings, with a kind heart and pure mind, mindful, composed, calmed, one-pointed and with restrained senses, then indeed, he is near to me and I am near to him. And why? He sees the Dhamma, and seeing the Dhamma, he sees me (It. 91).
Wonderful words - can be turned into questions to ask oneself every day!
ReplyDeleteHi Bhante,
ReplyDeleteHow does one who loves another lives within the principle of the Dhamma?
Dear Qwerty,
ReplyDeleteYou love them and you permeate your love with spiritual qualities like honesty, faithfulness, sharing, fellowship, forgiveness (when necessary), patience, affection, caring, etc. Oh! And don’t forget a bit of fun and lightheartedness too.
Thank you very much Bhante.
ReplyDelete