our good old selves
August 3, 2011
It’s probably good to think of the ground of renunciation as being our good old selves, our basic decency and sense of humor. In Buddhist teachings, as well as in the teachings of many other contemplative or mystical traditions, the basic view is that people are fundamentally good and healthy.
It’s as if everyone who has ever been born has the same birthright, which is enormous potential of warm heart and clear mind. The ground of renunciation is realizing that we already have exactly what we need, that what we have already is good.
August 4, 2011 at 8:46 pm
It helps to spend time around small children. They remind us how to get back there, no?
August 4, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Yes indeed, Kelly.