The Buddha Was An Expert But …
The Buddha was an expert, but
he said, “Don’t take my word for the truth; test it for yourself”.
If he said that, then don’t take any expert’s word for it.
If we are reliant, we are not free.
Each of us has individual experiences, and we have to come at a problem in our own way. That problem is, “What is life about?” Teachings are generalisations. Life isn’t. It’s right here, in our face and there’s no getting away from it. 😀
Gradually, we can learn a language to express these experiences, but we can only talk to those who are on-the-verge of some realisation; rare, open people. These people are precious, and should be supported.
Most people are either vacant or occupied, and are therefore not ready to receive teachings, or ready to give up their ideas about life and why we are here. They do not care. Why should they? They have made up their minds to travel along others’ paths, and haven’t stopped on-the-verge to wonder, “Where am I going?”.
An expert is someone who knows the complete system, is generous, disciplined and patient, knows what is right and is able to concentrate: in other words, they are compassionate, without any sense of competitiveness. An expert has empathy and kindness; it comes with experience!
If we do not know our true reality,
and live by that reality,
then what is the purpose of our life?
Within this mud of confusion is the Buddha.
It has always been there!
BUDDHA IN THE MUD is a blog - a living book based on the Dzogchen teachings. Our teacher is life, and life is karma. In this way, Dzogchen is practical - no bells and whistles required. 
The “conversation” I had with you in the comments section of your blog last week was the first time I had ever spoken about what has and is happening with another human being. It was eye opening, and showed me that maybe I wasn’t as close to the finish line as I had thought. It also showed me that, when you’re dealing with ultimate truth, words and language are almost useless. Maybe someday I’ll learn the language you speak of here so I can better express what I’m trying to say. Lately it’s as if I’m being taken apart and put back together again and it’s just impossible to explain so many changes.
Hello Allen,
I know how you feel.
It wasn’t until I followed the Tibetan Nyingma tradition that I realise what it was all about. But then I had to drop that to use ordinary words that expressed the experience.
We have so devalued language that we miss the simple point.
Once we get it, all paths are the same at heart,
silent awareness.
They say that there are nine levels, each use the same words but the meaning changes.
Compassion at one level is being kind, and at another level it express the wisdom that we are all Buddha nature, but don’t notice it.
Tony
We’re already at the finish line, but just doubt that we’re there. We get glimpses, and then we doubt, and the whole point is to gain confidence that there is no other reality. There is no mystery (as some would like us to believe …) Tony
Thank you. I don’t believe there is any mystery. When I’m here alone or off in the woods I can see clearly and am at peace, but I have a job where I’m surrounded by people, and it’s easy to get caught up in the constant chatter. I’m starting to understand why so many I have read about needed to go off and be alone for a time. My last day at the job is February 14th, and then I will see if being alone makes a difference.