Gratitude of Knowledge.
‘Getting it’

Joy is in knowing. This ‘knowing’ is not merely being told something that’s just nice to know: it’s when you really ‘get it’!!! It is actually experienced. How does this happen, and why?

When we hear, see or read something that shows us the way, we may recognise the fact, but perhaps cannot actually apply it. Even though everything takes place in the mind, the brain’s wiring takes time to connect – to change its programme.

The brain wires itself up:
“At birth babies have something like 100 billion neurons, give or take a few million. Many of these have already been connected on orders from the 80,000 or so genes we all have. These pre-existing connections help regulate basic physiological processes like heart rate and breathing. But trillions more will be needed to produce a talking/thinking/acting individual who can do things for himself or herself and, in time, show concern for the welfare of others. These interconnections in the brain are called synapses, and they don’t just happen; certain experiences are necessary to enable formation and strengthening of them. Without these critical experiences, the full majesty of the human brain in all its capability and complexity will simply not develop. Although new synapses continue to develop throughout our lives, the most rapid period of emergence is during the first four years of life.”

Stroke victims have to retrain their brain because pathways have been destroyed. The point is that we all learn…and…relearn! To retrain the brain, we first retrain the mind.

Those “eureka” moments:
This is suddenly ‘getting it’. But…we would not have ‘got it’ without previous work or practice. And we only engaged in practice because we were inspired. This is where gratitude comes in, pricking at any puffed-up-ness. We are all part of a very long line of practice, and in that, we can feel proud!

Those ‘eureka moments’ come when we just give up, letting go. The mind opens and allows the brain time to assimilate – it can sometimes feel like…“Oh what’s the point?” but there is still the longing and enquiry present…actually, the love of the subject.

The compassionate ‘universe’ shines:
Then, all of a sudden, the dots join up! On our tabletop of potentials (not accepting or rejecting anything), a connection is seen. Even though we may ‘know’ something, now the synapses have joined up in the brain, and understanding and expression can take place.

The source of ‘getting it’ is our own mind’s essential nature, re-cognising. The teachings are there to remind us of this pure intelligence. Always have gratitude for the past and present masters who try to convey these teachings. We may not agree with everything, but remember that teachings are on many levels at the same time. If they are not satisfying, we have a right to move on. The source of knowledge – and therefore wisdom – is everywhere.

The Buddha said, “Do good”. This simple statement encompasses the wisdom of all the Buddhas; to realise our true nature, express that nature in compassion, and help others … “Do good”.

When we can do that,
we become a Buddha.