Ages ago, long before he was known as the Buddha, a young hermit named lay in the mud to serve as a living bridge for a passing Buddha. In that moment of profound humility, he did not merely wish for his own peace; he made a mighty resolve . While he could have crossed the "ocean of existence" alone into Nirvana, he chose instead to endure countless lifetimes of trial so he might eventually become a Buddha and redeem all of humanity.
Sumedha's story illustrates , a central pillar of this philosophy:
: Gaining enlightenment through direct, personal experience. The Lesson of the Golden Fish
: He taught that even his own teachings are like a raft used to cross a turbulent river. Once you reach the other shore, you must let the raft go; you do not carry it on your back forever.
Ages ago, long before he was known as the Buddha, a young hermit named lay in the mud to serve as a living bridge for a passing Buddha. In that moment of profound humility, he did not merely wish for his own peace; he made a mighty resolve . While he could have crossed the "ocean of existence" alone into Nirvana, he chose instead to endure countless lifetimes of trial so he might eventually become a Buddha and redeem all of humanity.
Sumedha's story illustrates , a central pillar of this philosophy:
: Gaining enlightenment through direct, personal experience. The Lesson of the Golden Fish
: He taught that even his own teachings are like a raft used to cross a turbulent river. Once you reach the other shore, you must let the raft go; you do not carry it on your back forever.
