Stringing the Beads by Marguerite Manteau-Rao
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 8:01AM Today we're doing something special. It's the "The Great Buddho-blogging Article Swap" I feel very fortunate to have been paired with Marguerite Manteau-Rao from "MindDeep." Without further adieu...
It is tempting, especially as a beginner on the path, to keep on looking for more guidance, more knowledge from outside sources. Reading the many Dharma books, attending talks, browsing through Buddhist websites, seeking answers from teachers . . . While all have their place, I have become convinced of the importance to take a leap of confidence, and to just start walking the path, without always seeking another hand to hold on to, or more knowledge to stand on. If I still had any doubts, last night’s dream put them to rest:
I am looking at a catalog of beaded bracelets made by an ex-prison inmate. I notice one in particular, made entirely with Buddha beads. I want it. I look at the price. It is quite expensive. Then I realize, I already got a beaded bracelet kit in the mail. I open the envelope, and find several Buddha beads, along with other round, semi-precious beads. I like the lapis ones best. No need to buy Buddha bracelet. I can make my own. I start sorting and arranging the beads, making sure to include all the Buddha ones. I am thinking I need to get some string, then, remember string must have come with kit. In my haste, I must have overlooked it. I find a piece of transparent string lying somewhere, and wonder if it will be long enough. Also, how can such a fine, almost invisible string do the job? I start stringing the beads.
Dream stayed with me all day. I kept thinking, no need to wait, I’ve got all I need already. I have understood enough about the Dharma teachings, to get started on the path. Just keeping my lofty vow of daylong mindfulness should keep me busy for a while! As my art teacher once said, don’t keep on thinking about your project. Instead, start doing the work, it will teach you. Awakening to the Buddha’s truth is no different. Reading, talking, writing, about the theory of practice, all have limited value, compared to the actual act of practicing. Got to keep on stringing . . .
The other part of the dream touches upon the value in not counting on the experts, in this case teachers, to do all the work. Sure they may have liberated themselves from the prison of mind already, but their prison is not ours, and the way out is different for everyone. I am the one who has to string the bracelet, not my teacher. Each new insight joining the previous one, until full Buddha nature becomes realized. I have found, if I sit long enough, it is often possible to get out of spiritual impasses on my own, without the help from my teacher. Each time, my awareness muscle gets strengthened. Of course, this does not mean, not asking for help when absolutely necessary.
Reader Comments (3)
Thanks Seiho, for hosting me! Such an honor . . .
thanks Seiho for being a part of the swap, I appreciate the effort you and Marguerite put in on both of your articles!! :)
Great post, Marguerite. Both yours and Seiho's are so 'direct' and... well, just perfect for me now. As an academic, I'm quite guilty of looking to teachers for the answers - and I see this even more so when I'm around fellow students who do likewise. It's nice to be pointed at and told to find answers "there" instead of looking outside for them all the time. :) Thank you, Justin.