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Kindle Notes & Highlights
The Buddha advised us not to be fooled by what we perceive. He told Subhuti, “Where there is perception, there is deception.”4 The Buddha also taught on many occasions that most of our perceptions are erroneous, and that most of our suffering comes from wrong perceptions.5 We have to ask ourselves again and again, “Am I sure?” Until we see clearly, our wrong perceptions will prevent us from having Right View.
We don’t use concentration to run away from our suffering. We concentrate to make ourselves deeply present. When we walk, stand, or sit in concentration, people can see our stability and stillness. Living each moment deeply, sustained concentration comes naturally, and that, in turn, gives rise to insight.
“Take refuge in yourselves, not in anything else. In you are Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Don’t look for things that are far away. Everything is in your own heart. Be an island unto yourself.”
Words sometimes get sick and we have to heal them.
