Best Of
Being a light unto yourself
I have come to the realisation that the Buddha was right to tell us to be a light unto ourselves. There is only so much you can learn from others, and instead of just finding writings that you agree with it is better to develop your own understanding. This requires that you get to know yourself, and understand your place in the world, and comprehend what you think is significant.
In a way, by reading and memorising the sayings of the Buddha you end up adding a layer of conditioning to all those that were there before, and by speaking from that knowledge it is often the Buddha who speaks. Your own voice, drawing on your own understanding, can get lost in the endless thoughts of other people. This happens when you speak on topics you have only read or heard about, but that are not your lived experience.
Getting to know your own beliefs (as opposed to other people’s beliefs) is an important step.
Jeroen
Re: Good news
I have started making an effort of seeking out and sharing good news. I believe this is necessary, helpful and sanifying (is that a word?) due to the media climate and global events.
My energies are limited, I am limited. I could use your help. Together, we can definitely do it.
What about we take upon ourselves a 30 day challenge of there being at least 1 positive news story on NB for people to read?
If yes, I would open a new thread so that the OP with the intention is at the beginning. Like this post to join.
Basically, if it was already evening where people are living, we would seek out a positive news story and post. There are aggregators for this, it would be 2 minutes, and more about remembering and the intention/willingness to do it.
Might be good communal practice.
marcitko
Re: All Things Apple (was MacBook Air, but things evolve...)
I’d think it would have to have capabilities far in excess of a phone, and there would have to be significant demand for those capabilities, for this to be viable. My phone has replaced my phone, answering machine, stereo, calculator, bookstore , public library, camera, flashlight, map book, phonebook, address book, and largely my computer. If a phone can do ChatGPT, why would I put up with carrying another gadget? The trend is in the opposite direction.
Steve_B
Re: Being a light unto yourself
@Nerida said:
I have found that, whilst I question my path A LOT, since I have started attending a Sangha in person, teachings and events in person while taking my Refuge Vows daily each morning and evening, I am starting to understand myself and hopefully the Dharma better each day. It's still hard and I still make mistakes, but I'm starting to see real, tangible changes in my day to day life. I'm starting to trust myself more and think that perhaps I'm starting to get the hang of it _ /|\ _
Thank you, Nerida. That is a valuable perspective.
Jeroen