Master and disciple

When you are with the Master in a formal situation, you are not in a conversation.  Ask your question and wait for the reply which may, on the surface, seem completely unconnected to what you are asking. The Master will always turn your head back to the actual work of practice. Your responsibility now is to reflect upon this answer and not simply blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. The Master does not mind if you agree or disagree with the response, they only show Dhamma. Here there are no personal views and opinions being expounded, only the manifestation of truth in every moment. What you see or understand is completely dependent on your place on your spiritual path and your natural disposition towards the intellect or intuitive understanding. You may think that your question is intelligent and interesting, but to the master it is only more distraction from the work of silent sitting that needs to be done. I say many times that Dhamma is not a learning process, like being at school or university, where you are being filled with new ideas and philosophies that you have to remember. Dhamma is an unlearning process, where we let go and let go and let go, until there is nothing left to let go of. Allowing the busy mind to fall quiet until we find ourselves alone with ourselves. Naturally this creates a feeling of insecurity and this then becomes our basis for true understanding. To sit humbly with this insecurity and allow the truth that we carry within us, to manifest naturally and undramatically into our life. We have to remember that the Buddha did not 'get' enlightenment, he realised it, and as he reminds us, what is possible for him is possible for all of us, we just have to want it enough! Intellectually or academically knowing about Dhamma is not knowing Dhamma itself, and the difference between the two is enormous. The difference between the two is liberation. So, when you come to my room for a private interview, we will be in a loving, kind and friendly relationship, but in the end you will have to turn your attention inside for what is important. Continually asking empty questions about enlightenment, truth and realisation will not bring peace to your life. It will only ever lead to more questions. However, by following the true Dhamma teachings of love and awareness you will arrive in the place of knowing, where there are no more questions, no more delusions and no more insecurity. This is awakening.

                                                          May all beings be happy.