My sister has a friend who's seeking for answers, and he has attended many talks, workshops, seminars, readings by different renowned gurus, masters, etc, including famous motivational speakers.
There was once my sister asked him about the motivational speakers.
According to him, the motivational speakers are very good, but one has to go back again and again to be 'charged up' (and in my opinion, to be 'charged' as well), something which he can't afford to cos the charges were very expensive. (see what I mean?)The last I heard, he's still searching.
There are many gurus, teachers, etc out there who are very charming, charismatic even, and the things they say can be very inspiring and motivating, it invigorates, 'powers' you up, energises .......
But, only for a while, only at that instant.
When I reflected on it, I realised that inspiration is short-term.
It's like a drug, an intoxicant, where you need to 'take' it over and over again to feel 'high' and energised.
Whereas investigation, test, finding out for yourself is something that's long-term.
It lasts 'forever'.
An infinity, an eternity.
When we investigate, we realise, we awaken.
All in a moment.
And moment is timeless, it seems like an eternity.
And the lessons learnt (ie. the realisations) stay with us Forever.
The experience lingers and is Price-less (Free)
To me, a good teacher is one who not only inspires, but also encourages their students to investigate, to be independent, and to be free. (Read 'What is, What is not' and 'Mynah and her nestling')
And, a good student is one who investigates, try/test out the teacher's teachings to see if it really works, and if it's exactly as how the teacher explained.
That's how faith (in the teacher) comes about; not by or about believing blindly.
For me, Buddhism, or rather The Buddha's Teachings, is similar to Yoga.
It's pointless for the instructor to demonstrate the poses, and all that the students do, is stand by the sides, clapping and applauding in awe.
The students have to practise the poses.
Likewise, the Buddha's Teachings is for us to practise, not stand by the sides and praise His Enlightenment.
As The Buddha puts it so aptly, "You are NOT honouring me by offering flowers. You honour me ONLY by practising The Dhamma".
Since Vesak Day is round the corner, may I suggest and urge all who calls themselves 'Buddhists' to investigate what Buddhism, The Dhamma - The Buddha's Teachings, is truly about.
"Paccattam Veditabbo Vinnuhiti ( To be attained by the wise, each for himself.)"
- The Buddha
"You yourselves should make the effort;
The Tathagatas are only teachers.
Those who enter this Path and who are meditative,
Are delivered from the bonds of Mara."
- The Buddha"Whoever practises the Dhamma in accordance with the Way of the Dhamma,
He is truly the one who gives Puja (Offering) to the Tathagata (Buddha)."
- The Buddha
"My Teaching is not to come and believe (or see),
But to practise."
- The Buddha
"Just as I do not take credit for how good my students are,
Likewise, I bear no liability for how bad they are.
Good or bad depends on themselves
And how much/little effort they put in."
"If I tell, you'll just hear or listen, and you'll forget (ear in, ear out);
If I teach and show, you'll see and you may or may not remember.
But if I involve you and make you do, you'll learn and you'll understand."
"Dhamma is (for) free;
Dhamma is for you and me and everybody.
In Dhamma there is No Secret.
For the gift of Dhamma is Price-less (that means, FREE)."
"Dhamma has a value beyond all wealth, and should not be sold like goods in a market place."
- Venerable Acariya Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
"Those who truly believe in Buddhism are those who earnestly pursue Truth."
- Venerable Acariya Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
"If one doesn't understand through practice, one wouldn't understand Buddhism.
Even if one learns (and memorise) the whole Tipitaka (the voluminous recorded teachings of The Buddha), one still will not know."
- Ajahn Chah
"Buddhism : Universal, Timeless Freedom.
The Dhamma - Buddha's Teachings : Universal, Timeless Truth."
"Dhamma can't taught; it has to be experience."
