288-Possession in Buddhism- Buddhism in daily life

Possession in Buddhism


In a secluded temple once lived a Buddhist monk full of wisdom
and goodness, completely alone as a hermit. Long ago, the
buildings had been erected, in the mountains, high above the
city, many hours' walk from the nearest house. But life there was
too arduous, the other monks moved away, only he remained,
secluded, but in harmony with nature. The seasons dominated his
life.


He was often visited, people traveled from far away to ask the
man for advice. His reputation as an "enlightened" being was
legendary, his recommendations were sought after.


Usually he received visitors in the small main hall, but one day
a believer came to the door to his private room, knocked, and the
monk invited him in. The people, who were so different, greeted
each other in a friendly manner.


Completely astonished, the stranger looked around, there was no
furniture or objects in the room, only a small mat lay on the
floor, on which the monk rested.


"Master, you have no furniture, no possessions," he asked the
monk.


The monk answered him, "And your furniture, your possessions,
where are they"?


"But I am traveling, I don't have anything with me," the visitor
replied.


The monk replied: "I am also traveling, wherever I am, I am only
visiting.


Attachment to possessions, to people, to events, to status, to
fame, to honor; all desire, all wishing, all hoping, all
believing, this is the cause of all suffering. He who makes
himself free from worldly things will be "free" for the reality
of his self, of his I.


The vernacular says: "the last shirt has no pockets", nobody can
take anything with him!


What is dear to us now, will rot and mold in a hundred years,
probably already in a year lying unnoticed in a corner.


Happiness lies in us, not in things.


- Buddha -


Leisure is the most beautiful possession of all


- Socrates - Greek philosopher - 469 to 399 BC


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