Lesson Two: What Buddhism Is Not

(bhcheah) #1
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.
1
Free download pdf