Saturday, July 30, 2011
Life should be as exciting as it can be.
I have been misinterpreting the meaning of "You are who you are" in Buddha's teaching. All the while I always thought that we should not define ourselves because by doing so we will be living in our own image and be led astray from attaining the state of enlightenment, which is our true inner-self. You define who you are. If you think u cant do it, you really can't. If you think you are stupid, you are. Our perception, our concept, the knowledge we share, our values and our beliefs, set boundaries and define who we are, such a way that they imprison us.
Thus I always thought that I shall not define myself, as it will create an image of me that I will be living in.
I was partially wrong.
All of us are actually as perfect as Buddha, the only difference is we are not enlightened yet. We are imprisoned by our perception that kept our true potential locked. Since we are actually as perfect as Buddha, there's no harm defining our own self in a positive way. This lead me to another point that self-esteem is very important for a person's identity, and it can only be built up by first believing in yourself. It is good to recognise your strength and talent as it builds up your confidence and makes you a better person. Self-esteem empowers.
Nevertheless, bear in mind that everything good or bad about yourself are not eternal. We are once handsome and pretty when young, but no longer so as we ages. This brings us to a point that we shall not cling on to the very perception of ourselves. We must be ready to accept losing or gaining our traits, and be ready to accept the changes.
Since life is short and precious, it is not wise to make this trip wasted. Life shall be lived to its fullest. Dare to pursue, dare to dream and dare to love. But know to drop it, leave it, and let it go when everything comes to an end, in order to free ourselves and embark on the journey of enlightenment.
