The Tree (Part 3)

The Tree (Part 3)


On Good Friday 2008, I met a Brazilian couple.

While showing them around, they mentioned about the jackfruit - that it should not be growing on a tree.

Curious, I asked them why.

They said cos it's so big and heavy.


Thinking about it now as I write this entry, I think we ought to marvel at the wonders of nature and be like the jackfruit tree :

No matter how big and heavy the fruit is, we bear it. (Read : No matter how difficult the path/practice is, we persevere and be resolute).

Unlike some trees, which can't bear the weight of their own fruits. (Read : When the going gets tough, they give up.)

Then there are also others, which bear fruits for their own self-destruction. (Read : They go the wrong way.)

Which tree are you?
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"In the final analysis, what can lead a person astray, or what can guide one on the right path is nothing but his own mind."
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- Venerable Ajahn Mun




"Whether we practise the way rightly or wrongly is entirely up to each one of us -

In no way does it depend on the Lord Buddha and the Savakas (Arahants)."

- Venerable Ajahn Mun





"As an elephant in the battlefield withstands the arrows shot from a bow,

Even so will I endure abuse.

Indeed many people are without morality and discipline."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 320





"Endure suffering, you end suffering.

Spend your blessings, you end your blessings."





"Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines,

But it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes."

- The Buddha





"People gain ease (Nibbana) by following the path of difficulty;

People gain difficulty by following the path of ease - Suffering."

- The Buddha




"The 3 P's : Patience, Perseverance, Practise."





"Do not think lightly of evil, saying, 'It will not come to me.'

Even a water-pot is filled by the falling of drops.

Likewise the fool, gathering it drop by drop,

Fills himself with evil."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 121





"Even an evil person may still find happiness

So long as his evil deed does not bear fruit;

But when his evil deed does bear fruit,

He will meet with evil consequences.


Even a good person may still meet with suffering

So long as his good deed does not bear fruit;

But when it does bear fruit,

He will reap the benefits of his good deeds."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 119,120





"The foolish man, who, on account of false views,

Scorns the teaching of the Arahants, the Noble Ones, and the Righteous,

Produces fruit like the bamboo,

Only for self-destruction."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 164





"By yearning for the future, and lamenting the past,

The foolish withers, like rattan that is still green being cut down."

- The Buddha, Samyutta Nikaya





"Subjected to change are all conditioned things,

Impermanence is the nature of all things.

So hasten your practice, and strive forth with diligence and without delay;

For the one who sees the Dhamma will be awaken, and will be Free."