Cats who teach me to fly…

I’ve aways loved December because it is the coolest month of the year. A time when Ajahn Brahm, Ajahn Brahmali and many renowned buddhist teachers are in town to give their best talks.

Ajahn Brahmali gave a dhamma talk on the eve as well as Christmas day. I always prefer to spend my holidays meaningfully. I attended his talks on both days and brought home some knowledge and a little wisdom hopefully:). It is true that if we walk the path that Buddha did not teach, the teachings where Buddha originally taught would collape. I see the danger in moving away from the Buddha’s original teachings.

The idea of a Bodhisattva is very attractive to the lay people because everyone wants to be a Bodhisattva. I learned by the hard way that there is no Boddhisattva path. In the latest Vimalakirti sutra, it is said that to be a Bodhisattva, we have to break the precepts and this is completely wrong and dangerous. Buddha didn’t break his precepts, did he? Buddha has always told us the importance of keeping the precepts. There was never once he told us that breaking the precepts can be exceptional in any circumstances. If anyone is into the Bodhisattva path, please do not be misled by such ideas.

Suttas is the best teachings. No one can defeat the Buddha’s teachings. We shouldn’t pick up knowledge and wisdom elsewhere. Even if we do like the teachings from other teachers, we have to always remember to refer to the suttas to verify if the teachings are right or true. If only I’ve known the pali texts before the Bodhisattva path… I’ve never regret being a cats rescuer, occasionally dogs and birds, they all made me a better buddhist and the people who gave me a hard time. They made me even a better buddhist.

And on the 28th, Ajahn Brahm was in town for a day retreat. I was there for his entire talk. I always believe heavenly beings are often here to help us and Ajahn Brahm had shared some of his wonderful experiences!

There’s a zoom meeting on 1st of January 23 where Ajahn Brahm would teach again. Looking forward!