https://www.reddit.com/r/zenbuddhism/comments/1i27c6c/realization_unworthy/
created by minutemanred on 15/01/2025 at 20:46 UTC
28 upvotes, 8 top-level comments (showing 8)
When I bow to the Buddha, I look down. When I bow to the Buddha, I do not look at him. Why do I not look at the Buddha when I bow to him? Because I feel as though I am unworthy; that this entity that sits before me, will look me in my eye and see within my soul, impurity.
I *feel* as though I am an angry person. I *feel* as though I am not good at practicing Right Speech. I *feel* as though I am unable to practice Right Thought.
So, then, what do I need to do to be good enough, right here and right now? *Nothing*.
The Buddha will look at me and say: "Where, right now, is your anger? Show it to me."
"Where, right now, are you practicing Wrong Speech? Show it to me. Where, right now, are you practicing Wrong Thought? Show it to me. For, I can see you, right now, and *you* are wonderful."
There is nothing to be done, yet everything falls into place. *You* are worthy. *You* are complete.
Comment by gregorja at 15/01/2025 at 21:30 UTC
12 upvotes, 0 direct replies
As Master Hakuin said[1]:
1: https://www.rzc.org/library/zen-center-chants/master-hakuins-chant/
What is there outside us, what is there we lack?
Nirvana is openly shown to our eyes.
This earth where we stand is the pure lotus land,
and this very body—the body of Buddha.
Comment by Willyworm-5801 at 16/01/2025 at 03:02 UTC
7 upvotes, 0 direct replies
There is no separation between you and the Buddha. You are the same. You were born with Buddha nature.
Certainly, you are also imperfect. So is everybody else. Accept your flaws and they will stop bothering you.
Comment by cosmicdancer84 at 15/01/2025 at 21:00 UTC
7 upvotes, 0 direct replies
This is beautiful, thank you!
Comment by Pongpianskul at 15/01/2025 at 23:54 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
When bowing, the one being bowed to and the one bowing are both empty. This is really important.
You think you and the Buddha are two separate entities. The buddha is better than you and is outside of you judging. There's more to it than that.
Comment by Soft_Pilot3412 at 15/01/2025 at 21:20 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Thank you for this
Comment by spidermans_mom at 15/01/2025 at 22:05 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Ah yes, Right Speech seldom arrives with only Right Thought. Being human is really something!
Comment by enlightenmentmaster at 20/01/2025 at 00:43 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Buddha nature is inherent in all living beings. It is the unrealized Supreme Bodhi. It is the unawakened Buddha.
Have acceptance and do not cause harm to any living beings.
Comment by ResponsibilityMean27 at 20/01/2025 at 02:45 UTC
0 upvotes, 0 direct replies
This sounds very much like old traditional Christian thinking. Are you a catholic?