Not creating delusions is enlightenment.
BodhidharmaRead
People who don't see their nature and imagine they can practice thoughtlessness all the time are lairs and fools.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that those who deny their true nature and claim to be thoughtless are being dishonest and foolish.
Bodhidharma's quote points to the importance of self-awareness and the understanding of one's own nature. It warns against the pretense of being free from thought or responsibility, highlighting that such an attitude is disingenuous. True mastery over the mind involves recognizing and embracing our thoughts rather than attempting to suppress them entirely, as this leads to ignorance of one's true self.
Themes
Self-AwarenessThoughtlessnessNatureHonestyPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a philosophy discussion to illustrate the importance of self-knowledge.
More from Bodhidharma
All quotes βThe Way is basically perfect. It doesn't require perfecting.
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Buddhas move freely through birth and death, appearing and disappearing at will.
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If we should be blessed by some great reward, such as fame or fortune, it's the fruit of a seed planted by us in the past.
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Freeing oneself from words is liberation.
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The Dharma is the truth that all natures are pure.
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