All these teachings are relaying a message about incomprehensible things and concepts even the most brilliant cannot even begin to understand - except if one becomes a child ..No! .. actually an infant. The same with any teachings that transcend our intelligence. Nobody is going to get away with categorizing and explaining holy things and taking credit for it because no person can explain with their mouth or pen. Even if one understands, it is forbidden to share it. What wisdom teaches us is that our spirituality is only legitimate and truly seen through the things we do, especially in private..
Needleman’s reading of the Bhagavad Gita is something I’ve been looking for online for years but can’t seem to find. I had the cassette tapes in the 90’s. It’s incredible.
If you realize the seed of Buddha nature in you, if you understand your mind as “the mind of a Christ,” if you vigorously practice compassion while ignoring your own physical senses & cultural constructs, if you experience your thoughts & heart’s desire before you as created “reality,” you need no yellow robe. You are “it.” You need only nothing.
You can't ignore your senses. You can only accept what enters and realize that it's not worth clinging to, be it in a positive or negative way. I think that's the reason why the Buddha doesn't say anything of that kind. He says: guard your mind like a fortress, pay attention, see things for what they are and desire (the cause of pain and the result of ignorance) will not rise.
Thank you so much. Your posting was my first time hearing the dhammapada years ago. I don't think the other translations would have made the same impact on me. Not to mention Needleman is perfect for this job imo. I tried uploading it myself a few years ago, with some different visuals, but it was removed after a few months. Thanks again
