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Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

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headings, but due to limitations of space we cannot deal<br />

with every one individually. Therefore we should<br />

choose some important topics to begin with.<br />

1. Hearing-wisdom<br />

a. Faults of a Dharma-instrument<br />

If a person (who is likened here to an instrument for the<br />

Dharma) comes to a Rinpoche (in Sanskrit,<br />

''Maharatna''—great jewel) for spiritual instruction, then<br />

he should guard against the following three faults of a<br />

Dharma-instrument!<br />

i. Not st<strong>and</strong>ing upright. This means a person who is<br />

mentally upside-down. Even through he appears in the<br />

Dharma-hall to listen to the preaching, he only sits,<br />

hearing nothing, <strong>and</strong> at the end is no wiser than when he<br />

first sat down. He lacks concentration <strong>and</strong> so his hearing<br />

wisdom is weak <strong>and</strong> undeveloped. If one centers upon<br />

meditation, the wisdom of hearing will improve <strong>and</strong> it<br />

will becomes easier to learn.<br />

ii. Unclear instrument. This occurs when some false<br />

views are mingled with faith in the Buddhas. This<br />

means one lacks pure faith. Even while hearing the<br />

Buddhadharma, an instrument of this sort may be<br />

thinking of Hinduism or Christianity. One should take<br />

good care of meditation—otherwise, how can the fruit<br />

of pure faith be obtained?<br />

133

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