Investigation (or dhamma vicaya in pali) is one of the seven factors (the second, in fact) that bolster enlightenment. It's also important to note the seven factors of enlightenment are one of the oldest Buddhist teachings.It most often refers to exploration or examination of dharma. (the teachings of the Buddha). This does not constitute belief in. Examine the dharma and contemplate understanding through careful investigation. Use your skill of investigation to actively understand the shape and form of phenomenon. Things aren't always as they seem, and you will always need investigation even outside of your exploration of the dharma.
The Buddha noted that we should not believe in anything unless agrees with your common sense and introspection. More or less he wanted us not to believe in the dharma merely because he told us to but to experience it ourselves and see if it is right for ourselves. We need to understand the condition all things, be them in motion or not, divine or earthly, and the way to do that is with a sharp examination using a your ability of investigation.
We must understand that Buddhism does not intend for us to aimlessly follow with blind faith. Those who are able to understand the dharma are to make a decision wether it is their path to study and hopefully someday walk the eightfold path. Like all things, Buddhism is not for everyone, and I understand that myself. Not everyone will become awakened. (Or enlightened.)
We should understand that a person does not do something merely because someone else they look up to tol them to do it (although throughout life that happens a lot!) but because we feel it is sound and makes sense to us. The Buddha was a teacher, and he knew man's weakness, and that was man had the habit of reverence towards those that they loved and wish to emulate. We should always inspect and decide if something is right for ourselves or not. Forced or obsessive conversion is not sensible.
We use analytical skills everyday at our jobs or livelihood. As a writer, I am constantly using analyzing my own work to see if it makes sense, which will ultimately be readable for you. (See how I did not mention that it will make sense to you as well?) I want you to look into my writing and investigate actively what I write about, with mindfulness working passively in you. Then you will be able to make informed and insightful decisions about both what I write and the dharma. I appreciate your readership but ultimately you'll either come back to my blog one day or even now aftee your insightful discovery. Quite frankly I am more of a courier than anything else. I cannot tell you what I believe because it may influence your thought. However, I guarantee I am dedicated to bringing you information on Buddhism to you constantly and I already know that there is a good chance you are already on a path heading towards enlightenment, wherever you may find it.
Comments
Post a Comment