Dualistic Thinking

ThailandTom

This old chestnut of a teaching I have randomly come to realise and understand earlier. Of course like with most Buddhist teachings you can understand what they mean but to realise them is something else.

It happened when I read a comment somebody left on facebook of all places that read something like 'It's a fact that people change opinions change and best friends can turn to strangers, but i love how music is always there though your whole life.' I thought about it and realised that we give meaning, labels such as 'good' or 'bad' to things when in reality they are neither, they just are.
If my car breaks down (I don't even have one), that is bad for me, but good for the mechanic who has some work and thus money. But in reality it is all just cause and effect in the ever evolving cycle of life.

tmottes

Its always great when you have realizations that you only previously understood intellectually.

ThailandTom

tmottes said:

Its always great when you have realizations that you only previously understood intellectually.

Yes I view them as mini awakenings if you will, 'nirvana' to me is to be fully awake, eyes wide open to what is, so when you have these realisations it is as if your eyes open a little bit more. I am still waiting for that realisation on emptiness though

:grumble:

OneLifeForm

ThailandTom said:

I am still waiting for that realisation on emptiness though

:grumble:

Your waiting is also totally non-existent from it's own side.








Are you there yet?

ThailandTom

OneLifeForm said:

ThailandTom said:

I am still waiting for that realisation on emptiness though

:grumble:

Your waiting is also totally non-existent from it's own side.








Are you there yet?

lol, errr no! This has evaded me for 5 years, however meditation classes start again in October in my town which I intend to go to for the first time. I have never had a teacher and I have never been to a meditation class, so maybe this will help a little..

Cloud

@ThailandTom, This might help too: http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma4/mpe.html

ThailandTom

Thank you Cloud, it's bookmarked and I will take a read tomorrow when the hour is more suitable than it is now. I think though I really have needed an actual teacher or guidence in reality, I have been a DIY buddhist for 5 years now and I have noticed many positive changes in my life and personality, but there are many steps yet to walk.