The Enlightened Mind by the Buddha (Summary)
The English term enlightenment is the Western translation in the 19thC of various Buddhist terms, most notably Bodhi and Bimutti which means the knowledge or wisdom, or awakened intellect, of a Buddha. The verbal root budh- means "to awaken," and its literal meaning is closer to awakening. Although the term buddhi is also used in other Indian philosophies and traditions, its most common usage is in the context of Buddhism. Vimukti is the freedom from or release of the fetters and hindrances.
- It is proper to doubt. Don't be led by holy scriptures, mere logic or inference/use, or by the authority of religious teachers. But give it up when you realize that something is unwholesome and bad for you. And when you realize that something is wholesome and good for you, do it.
- As a mother at the risk of her life watches over her only child, let every one cultivate a boundlessly compassionate mind towards all beings.
- When you see the unborn, uncreated, unconditioned, you are liberated from everything born, created, and conditioned.
- A man walking along a high road sees a great river, its near bank dangerous and frightening, its far bank safe. He collects sticks and foliage/leaves, makes a raft/bundle, paddles across the river, and reaches the other shore. He takes the raft and put it on his head wherever he goes. Would he be appropriately using the raft?
- Be a lamp yourself. Be your own confidence. Hold to the truth within yourself, as to the only truth. In the end, these things matter most. How well did you love it? How deeply did you let go?
- Behold, O monks, this is my last advice to you. All component things in the world are changeable. They are not last. Work hard to gain your own salvation/rescue.
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BBM II