Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Ajahn Chah: How to teach Buddhism

Ajahn Chah (ajahnchah.org) via Ven. Sujato; Dhr. Seven, Ellie Askew (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Think about it. If someone says something that ought to make you angry and you just let it go instead, people might think you’re crazy.

So when you teach others about Buddhist things, they won’t easily understand.

The Buddha-Dharma has to be internalized for them to actually understand it.

For example, in this country, people love beauty. If you say, "There are ugly/repugnant things to consider," they won’t listen. If you talk about "aging" or "illness," they’re displeased. "Death"? They won’t hear it. This means they aren’t yet ready to understand.

If they won’t believe you, don’t fault them for that. It’s like trying to barter with people to give them something new to replace what they have. But they don’t see any value in the thing you’re offering.

If what you have is obviously of the highest value, of course they'll accept it. But why won’t they believe you now? Your wisdom is insufficient.

So don’t get angry with them saying, "What’s wrong with you, dummies? Don't you realize what I'm saying?" Don’t do that.

You have to teach yourself first -- enough to establish the truth of the Dharma in yourself -- and develop the proper way to present it to others. Then they'll accept it.

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