Enlightenment is seeing the Dharma

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

What if there were a place to practice with others? (Dharma Meditation Initiative)

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What do I need to practice to see the dharma?

The dharma (ultimate truth) the Buddha realized is the dharma that exists permanently in the world [where nothing is permanent other than the truth that can set us free].

It can be compared to ground water, which permanently exists in the ground. When someone wishes to dig a well, that person must dig down deep enough to reach the ground water.

The ground water is already there. The digger by digging does not create the water, but rather discovers what has always been there.

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In the same way the Buddha did not invent the ultimate truth, the dharma. He did not decree the dharma. He merely rediscovered [like fully enlightened seers before him] and revealed what was already there.

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Through [purifying stages of concentration followed by systematic] contemplation, the Buddha saw the dharma. Therefore, it is said that the Buddha is the Buddha, the "Enlightened One."

For enlightenment is knowing the dharma. The dharma is the truth about the world. Seeing this, the former prince, the wandering ascetic Siddhartha Gautama is called "the Buddha."

The Dharma (the Teaching about the path to the ultimate truth) is that which allows other people to become a buddha, "one-who-knows," one who knows the dharma directly.

If beings engage in skillful conduct (spiritually profitable karma) and are loyal to the Buddha-Dharma, the "Teaching of the Buddha," these beings will never be short of virtue (merit) and goodness (the inner impulse to develop the wholesome).

With understanding, we will see that we are really not far from the Buddha; we are sitting face to face with him. When we practice the Dharma, and understand the dharma, then at that moment we will see the Buddha.

If one really practices, one will hear/recall the Buddha-Dharma whether sitting at the root of a tree, lying down or in any posture, walking with mindfulness and clear comprehension.

This is not something to merely "think" about. Realization arises from the pure mind.

Just remembering these words is not enough. Realization depends on seeing the dharma itself, nothing other than this.

Thus, we must determine to practice and practice with determination to be able to see this. Then our practice will really be complete.

Wherever we sit, stand, walk, or lie down, we will recall the Buddha’s Dharma.