The Buddha said:
“Subhūti, take the example of a raft.
The Dharma itself should be let go of—how much more so what is not the Dharma!”
English Explanation
Key Idea: The Dharma is like a raft—it helps us cross from the shore of confusion to the shore of awakening. But once we cross, we don’t carry the raft on our back.
Meaning: Even the Buddha’s teachings are not an absolute end, but a method. If we cling to them as ultimate, we miss the spirit of liberation.
Modern Context:
At work: Frameworks (like Agile or OKRs) are tools, not identities.
In study: Diplomas and certifications are stepping stones, not eternal proof of worth.
In practice: Meditation techniques or rituals are useful, but clinging to them as “badges” only creates a new ego.
The teaching is clear: Don’t mistake the method for the destination.
Exercise 4: Letting Go of the Raft
Identify one method or tool you are currently most attached to (in study, work, or practice).
Ask: If this tool disappeared, could I still continue?
In the coming week, try at least once to act without it—relying on awareness and adaptability instead.
English: Even the Dharma should be let go of—how much more so what is not the Dharma.
English (Original Quote)
The Buddha said:
“All conditioned phenomena
are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow,
like dew or a flash of lightning—
so should you view them.”
English Explanation
Key Terms:
Conditioned phenomena: everything that arises from causes and conditions—jobs, relationships, wealth, even reputation.
Metaphors: dream, illusion, bubble, shadow, dew, lightning—all vivid but fleeting.
Main Teaching: Nothing in this world is permanent. Everything arises and passes away.
Modern Context:
The career goals and KPIs we chase today may vanish tomorrow.
Relationships, no matter how deep, are still subject to change.
Even pain and anxiety will pass—just like a flash of lightning.
The Buddha is not asking us to reject life, but to see its impermanence clearly—so we can live lightly and appreciate the present moment.
Exercise 5: Impermanence Reflection
At the end of your day, write down three small events that happened.
Ask: Will these still matter in a week? A year?
Ground the insight in action: send a kind message, enjoy a cup of tea, or simply breathe with awareness.
English: All conditioned phenomena are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow, like dew or lightning—so should you see them.
English (Original Quote)
The Buddha said:
“Subhūti, if a Bodhisattva thinks,
‘I shall liberate countless beings,’
he is not truly a Bodhisattva.
Why? Because in reality, there are no beings to be liberated by the Tathāgata.”
English Explanation
Central Paradox: A Bodhisattva vows to liberate all beings, yet the Buddha says “no beings are truly liberated.”
Meaning:
The vow expresses compassion.
The “no beings” view expresses wisdom—seeing that “self” and “others” are empty constructs.
Modern Context:
Volunteers who keep thinking “I’m the helper” may unconsciously create hierarchy.
Parents who cling to “I know what’s best for you” often clash with children.
True compassion means giving without clinging, serving without pride.
The teaching: Act with compassion, but without ego.
Exercise 6: Selfless Service Practice
Before helping someone, remind yourself: “This is an interaction of equals, not me above them.”
After helping, let go of the thought “I did this good thing.”
Each day, note one small act of kindness—and practice releasing it without clinging.
English: In truth, there are no beings to be liberated by the Tathāgata.