You should know that so far as Buddha-nature is concerned, there is no difference between an enlightened man and an ignorant one. What makes the difference is that one realizes it, while the other is ignorant of it.

-The Sutra of Hui Neng

Sitting peacefully on a cushion day and night seeking to attain Buddhahood, rejecting life and death in hopes of realizing enlightenment, is all like a monkey grasping at the moon reflected in the water.

-Shoitsu

The real basis of Buddhism is full knowledge of the truth of reality. If one knows this truth then no teaching is necessary. If one doesn't know, even if he listens to the teaching, he doesn't really hear.

-Ajahn Chah, "Taste of Freedom"

Comment:  Some people have interpreted this (and my comment about in "Thine own time" to mean it was God's - in a semi-traditional view of God (Judeo-Christian view) doing, but that would be misleading as far as _my_ interpretation and experience of it went. There is nothing wrong with that particular interpretation in my mind, but I just wanted to clarify that simply because (or perhaps _exactly_ because ;-)) the particular book was "The Gospel of Thomas" didn't make the 'manifestation' or appearance of it at that particular time about a Christian God or similar Being - to me anyway.  Part of what made the experience so beautiful and perfect was that it wasn't that interpretation - again _for me_ (based on previous 'satori' what-have-you-whatever experiences I had had). Lacking words as usual, it was more of an "I AM (emphasis on *I* as in "i") - or Divine Presence, or Isness, or Little-'ol-Me-ness etc. ad infinitum experience." But, if it was, let's say for the sake of argument  the Judeo-Christian form of God's doing - that would have been just as meaningful and beautiful too me as well. Hope this makes some sense. Whew! Haha. ~~~~~


I posted this in the What The Bleep pod - Law of Attraction Thread. Thought I'd share the story here too.

Anyone else have a so-called "manifestation" story? I'd love to hear it! Post a comment or link here. Thanks! ~mu

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Many years ago, my best friend and I had been roommates for a couple of years and through a series of moves to other states to help family members etc. and other unfortunate circumstances that were out of our control (looooong story), we found ourselves out of work and temporarily homeless. Previously, for several years, I had been searching for a copy or translation of The Gospel of Thomas. This sounds simple now because it is available everywhere. But many years ago, before computers and the Internet, it was very difficult to find. I scoured bookstores, universities, and libraries to no avail. I had been publishing a grassroots newsletter at the time and it was part of my research, but it was more than that. It was something personal. Something deep inside me drove me to find that book or manuscript, but my search proved fruitless. I had given up the active search, but the desire was obviously still there in my consciousness.

Homeless, belongings in storage, and about two weeks of living in various 'motels'  we were out of money, and the food stamps I had procured were almost gone. After our last night at the motel that we had paid for in advance, we located a very small local agency that provided temporary emergency services and shelter for people. We spoke to the volunteer there and explained our situation. After she took some information from me, she said, “Why don't you go in the room over there." She pointed to a small alcove with some chairs in it. "And wait while I take your friend's information”. She added, “There are some oranges and warm coats and other donations there. Please take whatever you need or want.” I thanked her and walked into the tiny  room.

I slumped down into a hard-backed folding chair. I was sick, very tired, cold and hungry. I was also scared, and at perhaps the lowest point in my life thus far. I put my head down and closed my eyes, trying to hold back weary tears. After a brief moment I opened my eyes and saw an open box on the floor in front of my feet.  On the very top of the pile of old books, there was a bright orange (I guess so I didn't miss it) copy of The Gospel of Thomas! I gasped and said, “Oh my god!” My friend heard me and came into the little room. I was speechless, staring at the book like it was the Holy Grail - and it was in a way. I bent over and picked it up gingerly. I stroked the cloth cover and held it to my heart. In that moment I felt an… I don't know what to call it - "It" is known by so many names… but I'll just say, “Divine Presence” (there had been a complete and utter surrender to the moment - seeing only sweetness and beauty in it) then a powerful peace washed over me. "It" (I love words, but I really dislike words at times like this because they seem so inadequate) spoke to me and what I 'heard' lifted me out of that particular dark valley. I felt the Connection and Comfort I already Knew was there.  I AM here _with_ you. Don't be afraid. You will survive. This too shall pass... (Comment: Could I possibly come up with any more cliches? Nah.)

So, why the book? Why then? I knew why. It makes sense doesn't it? Isn't it interesting? The phrase, “Not in my time, but in Thine” comes to mind (Comment: Or, when the student is ready the Teacher/Self appears - meaning Life / Suffering /Self are great Teachers! ;-)). It was the strongest most meaningful way to get a message _through_ to me at that time.

Beautiful eh?

~mu

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