Robert Thurman. We Can Be Buddhas.
In this video, the American Buddhist scholar previously ordained by Dalai Lama speaks about the true meaning of ‘enlightenment’ and its connection with ‘suffering.’ First, he begins his explanation by drawing out references from the Vimalakirti Sutra. From the ancient texts, the Buddha explains that sufferings of the mankind come from the fact that they do not have compassion and contentment. The lack of these two disrupts the harmonious balance of life on the Earth. Such path when taken will only lead to more sufferings of the other which can be fatal to others. However, an interesting point that Thurman emphasized is that by accepting the wisdom derived from meditation and nature, one can interact with the hidden knowledge of the Earth, that all living things are connected by one invisible thread which cannot be severed. But in this materialistic society, the need for someone’s company is often made for one’s own self-benefit; hence, the term, ‘friends with benefits’ is created. There is no path towards enlightenment because there is no one to begin with; enlightenment comes from the fact that one person abandons all the materialistic desires and reverts to simple way of life focused on spirituality and one’s worth on the world. In that way, happiness can be achieved without further exerting too much effort and experience suffering.
Another interesting topic here on why reading with children is interesting is due to their innocence. Children by nature as Barnett explained are often curious and simple minded. In this way, their attentive nature allows them to fantasize and get engrossed in the stories being read to them. A good book is the secret door to a wealth of knowledge that is often left piling along with the dust. Children’s stories though may seem silly to other people allows the humanity to stop, look, and listen and acquire the morals of simplicity and goodness. This is why children are the most happiest and simple people in the world because they know how to appreciate and criticize a good story without causing brawling and embarrassment with others. As people grew older, these notions are forgotten because of the materialistic notions of fame and having no time to read. But what Barnett points out is that reading a good book brings out the inner child in any person for it allows them to rekindle their dreams and hopes for the humanity.
WORKS CITED
Barnett, Mac. “Why a Good Book is a Secret Door?” Online video clip. TED Talks. TED Conferences, LLC., 2014. 6 May 2016.
Thurman, Robert. “We Can Be Buddhas.” Online video clip. TED Talks. TED Conferences, LLC., 2007. 6 May 2016.
