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My Bed of Nails - Page 3

© Yeshe Chodon

To understand why, ultimately,adherence to Buddhism will eliminate negativities like depression at the root, unlike some quick fixes which give just symptomatic relief, we need the patience to learn the concepts of the nature of mind; the nature of temporal phenomena and the nature of Buddhism. The patience to learn these concepts, if combined with practice, will achieve astonishing results.

At http://www.dzogchen.org/teachings/faq.htm Lama Surya Das says:

Of course Buddhism is one of the major world religions, but it is more of a psychological-philosophical-ethical system of awakening; a technology of enlightenment. ... Buddha's principle subject was suffering and the end of suffering, not theological and ontological issues.

To study the Buddha's way is to study the self;
To study the self is to transcend the self.
To transcend the self is to be enlightened by all things.
-- Zen Master Dogen

So in Buddhism, we study the self, but this is not the same aspect of the self we study in counseling. Well, ultimately it is. All dualities will fade from consciousness eventually. But at first it's necessary to assume two concepts of self in order to comprehend Buddhism.

According to Buddhist philosophy each human being has two minds: a finite mind and an infinite mind. Your finite or everyday mind houses your thoughts, memories, desires and feelings. Your infinite mind is the unchanging, quintessential portion of your being. The degree of success that you attain in all of your physical, mental and spiritual undertakings is to depend upon the strength and clarity of your finite mind and your ability to access your infinite mind.
From: http://www.angelfire.com/ak/Flowergirlin...
--Flowergirl's Tribute to Rama

Therefore, in Buddhist meditation, we go beyond the everyday mind to a place where that mind is held in an entirely new perspective.

Quoting John Mcmanamy again from his May 4, 1999 Suite101 article:

In the first line of the Dhammapada, the best known of the Buddhist scriptures, Buddha says:
"Mind precedes its objects. They are mind-governed and mind-made. To speak or act with a defiled mind is to draw pain after oneself, like a wheel behind the feet of the animal drawing it."
This refers to our finite minds. So does the second part of Buddha's statement:
To speak or act with a peaceful mind is to draw happiness after oneself, like an inseparable shadow."

OK, we know this. We know we're supposed to have peaceful minds. How infuriating to be told this when deeply depressed. But when we are finally ready to let go of our suffering, Buddhist Dharma practice will provide the means for clearing mental defilements and unveiling the underlying peaceful mind.

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