The Tree of Enlightenment

up from the earth like grain. e Buddha and his disciples were
once ordinary sentient beings like you and me. ey were once
afflicted by impurities of the mind – attachment, aversion, and
ignorance. It was through coming into contact with the Dharma,
through purifying their words and deeds, through developing
their minds, and through acquiring wisdom that they became
free, exalted beings able to teach and help others realize the
truth. ere is therefore no doubt that, if we apply ourselves to
the teachings of the Buddha, we, too, can attain the ultimate
goal of Buddhism. We, too, can become like the Buddha and
his prominent disciples.
It is of no use merely to listen to the Dharma or to read the
Dharma, merely to write articles about the Dharma or give lectures
about it, if we do not put it into practice. It has been said
that those of us who call ourselves Buddhists can profit by occasionally
taking stock. If we see that, over the preceding years
or months, our practice of the Buddha’s teachings has brought
about a change in the quality of our experience – and it will
probably be only a small change – then we know that the teachings
are having some effect.
If all of us put the teachings of the Buddha into practice, there
is no doubt that we will realize their benefits. If we seek to avoid
harming others, if we try our best to help others whenever possible,
if we learn to be mindful, if we learn to develop our ability
to concentrate our minds, if we cultivate wisdom through study,
careful consideration, and meditation, there is no doubt that the
Dharma will benefit us. It will first lead us to happiness and prosperity
in this life and in the next. Eventually, it will lead us to the
ultimate goal of liberation, the supreme bliss of nirvana.
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