Hermits Quotes
Hermit Master: How should I say? Nowadays, we monks and nuns are not so blessed. Unlike in former times, circumstances in the world were better. There were good things going on in society. Moral principles were upheld. Blessings were everywhere. At that time, even if they weren't in the mountains, and lived in temples instead, they maintained a good attitude and studied. Now it's impossible. Everything is commercialized. Everyone is concerned about money. They have no choice. Otherwise they would leave and live in the mountains instead. But what would Buddhist centers be like if they did? Who would perform Buddhist ceremonies and teach Buddhism then? Hence, we are ashamed to some extent, because we can't carry such a burden. So we live simple lives here in the mountains.
Movie: Hermits
Hermit Master: Translation can only serve as a guide. Only through actual practice can one find enlightment. The written materials have to be abandoned. Abandon the words. Words are an aid.
Bill Porter: Yes. In the beginning, the aid makes the Dharma easy to understand. People depend on words. They are used to them.
Hermit Master: Words and languages are merely ways of communication. According to the Mahayana point of view, only by means of practice can one realize one's own nature. The Dharma consists in the enlightenment of one's own mind, not someone else's. Someone else's enlightenment is for reference only. We have to look for enlightenment deep in our own minds. That's something that's real. It doesn't involve outside help, because all outside help is conditional. They are aids.
Bill Porter: Yes. In the beginning, the aid makes the Dharma easy to understand. People depend on words. They are used to them.
Hermit Master: Words and languages are merely ways of communication. According to the Mahayana point of view, only by means of practice can one realize one's own nature. The Dharma consists in the enlightenment of one's own mind, not someone else's. Someone else's enlightenment is for reference only. We have to look for enlightenment deep in our own minds. That's something that's real. It doesn't involve outside help, because all outside help is conditional. They are aids.
Movie: Hermits