Think for yourself and not let others think for you. Be concerned if many think differently from you but this does not mean you are wrong or they are wrong. You or they could be more right. That may be the case.
The reason why men differ in thinking with regards to God and spiritual is because men have different lives and experiences. We can share our views but we should not impose or cause concern simply because we do differ in views.
Doubts arise because of differences and levels of understanding. Sometimes men do feel insecure when others do not agree with them. This can be good because in time when men are more enlightened and knowledgeable, there will be better rapport and all will be family. This was stressed by Lord Bo Tien when he noted that members in his temple were upset by some who viewed things differently.
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| Lord Bo Tien |
In fact it is healthy for men to think differently and be different. This is how the founders and pioneers of religions and sects started out in life and ended up convincing and winning over others.
Ji Gong as young novice monk in his lifetime as man thought differently from the monks at Chan Zen monastery. This did not mean he is wrong or they were wrong. But that they and Ji Gong were at different levels of spiritual. Give this some thought.
Both are winners but had not Ji Gong did what he did, we will not have Ji Gong today with his axiom that "what matters is what goes through the heart and not what goes through the gut or what one does."
Also without the Vinaya rules governing the monks at the monastery, there will be no Chan temples today. This is no contradiction but a reality of life.
The means must not become the end and if this happens, then sainthood is more remote. But without rules of conduct as markers for the path, a temple will not preserve the culture of spirituality for posterity.
This is yet another example of why it may be good to be different in different context and situations. It may be actually good to be different. Omitofo.
Ji Gong as young novice monk in his lifetime as man thought differently from the monks at Chan Zen monastery. This did not mean he is wrong or they were wrong. But that they and Ji Gong were at different levels of spiritual. Give this some thought.
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| Ji Gong The Living Buddha |
Both are winners but had not Ji Gong did what he did, we will not have Ji Gong today with his axiom that "what matters is what goes through the heart and not what goes through the gut or what one does."
Also without the Vinaya rules governing the monks at the monastery, there will be no Chan temples today. This is no contradiction but a reality of life.
The means must not become the end and if this happens, then sainthood is more remote. But without rules of conduct as markers for the path, a temple will not preserve the culture of spirituality for posterity.
This is yet another example of why it may be good to be different in different context and situations. It may be actually good to be different. Omitofo.
