One day, while the Buddha was sitting by the bank of a river, he met an ascetic who had practised austerities for about 25 years.
Seeing the Buddha, the ascetic immediately demonstrated and exhibited his prowess by crossing the river back and forth, walking on water.
Looking at the ascetic, The Buddha asked, "How long did it take you to acquire such powers?"
"25 years," came the haughty reply.
The ascetic was pleased that he caught the Buddha's attention."Wow! That's a long time ........" said The Buddha.
"Of course!"
"Is that what you had received for all your years of effort?" The Buddha asked again.
"Yes!" The ascetic proudly replied, that now at last, he could cross the river by walking on water.
To that, The Enlightened One said, "Hmmm ....... But for all your years of effort and hard work, this gain is insignificant, since anyone can cross the river using a ferry for a fare of one penny!"
"A little power soon goes to the head of one who's not used to it."
- The Buddha
"There is no miracle as great as the miracle of a wicked man transformed."
"A person who's still subjected to greed, anger and delusion and have access to unusual power will NOT only bring harm to himself, BUT also to the society at large."
"Psychic abilities are merely gifts which we all have.
If you have them, it's because you just happen to discover yours earlier than others due to your past diligent practice and good kamma (deeds).
It does not mean you are special or have special abilities."
"When you constantly try to impress others with your knowledge, powers, abilities, skills, talents etc, you are like a monkey performing tricks to and for the amusement of others."
"You can have all the visualisations, symbols, powers etc.
But with no real comprehension and realisation of The Dhamma (Truth),
You can and will never be enlighten;
Neither will you have wisdom or find real true happiness."
*
"Let us begin the new Lunar year with a little more wisdom and less foolishness and ignorance.
Have a Happy Lunar New Year everyone!
Live, Love, Laugh and be Happy Always!
With all My Love and Kindness (Metta)
Maitre-light :)
