Lesson Two: What Buddhism Is Not

Lesson Two: What Buddhism Is Not

Its Overfull. No more will go in

A Dhamma master received a university

professor who came to inquire about Buddhism.

The master served tea. He poured his visitor’s

cup full and then kept on pouring.

The professor watched the overflow until he no

longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No

more will go in!"

"Like this cup," the master said, "you are full of

your opinions and speculations. How can I show

you Buddhism unless you first empty your cup?"

1.Beware of Preconceived Ideas

Do not let the mind be narrow and prejudiced.

Not only is it the peculiarity of a bigot, but

worse, it inhibits the discovery of truth and the

opening of new horizons. A person whotravels

withclosed eyes because the surroundings are

different, limits his chances of enriching his

experience.

Study Buddhism with fresh eyes and openmind.

Beware of preconceived ideas created by other

religionsto discredit Buddhism. Be wary not to

judge Buddhism through the beliefs and

practices of the so-called Buddhists who are

ignorant of the teachings.

Do not dismiss any fact as untrue because you

cannot understand itasyet. If you areinclined

to pass judgement on anything at all, be sure to

study the case thoroughly.

Lesson Two: What Buddhism Is Not

Its Overfull.No morewill goin

A Dhamma master received a university
professor who came to inquire about Buddhism.
The master served tea. He poured hisvisitor’s
cup fulland then kept on pouring.

The professor watched the overflow until he no
longer couldrestrain himself. "It is overfull. No
more will go in!"

"Like this cup," the master said, "you are full of
your opinions and speculations. How can I show
you Buddhism unless you first empty your cup?"

1.Beware of Preconceived Ideas

Do not let the mind be narrow and prejudiced.

Not only is it the peculiarity of a bigot, but

worse, it inhibits the discovery of truth and the

opening of new horizons. A person who travels

with closed eyes because the surroundings are

different, limits his chances of enriching his

experience.

Study Buddhism with fresh eyes and open mind.

Beware of preconceived ideas created by other

religions to discredit Buddhism. Be wary not to

judge Buddhism through the beliefs and

practices of the so-called Buddhists who are

ignorant of the teachings.

Do not dismiss any fact as untrue because you

cannot understand it as yet. If you are inclined

to pass judgement on anything at all, be sure to

study the case thoroughly.

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