"Bhikkhus, this spiritual life is not led to deceive people, not for gaining their applause, not for acquiring gains and honors, nor for winning an argument, nor out of a desire for people to know ‘thus about me’. Rather, bhikkhus, this spiritual life is led for the purpose of restraint, for abandoning, for dispassion, and for cessation.
For restraint, for abandoning, this unerring spiritual life; Thus taught the Blessed One, leading to a firm footing in Nibbāna; This path is followed by the Noble ones, walked by the esteemed sages.
Those who practice it as taught by the Buddha, will make an end of suffering, abiding by the Teacher’s instruction."
Given the longevity of the Buddha’s teachings over the last 2,500 years and the ways in which they have been institutionalized and interpreted, it becomes crucial for practitioners to continually revisit the original intent and spirit of these teachings. This reflection ensures that one’s practice remains true to the goal of liberation rather than becoming a mere ritual or intellectual exercise.
The impermanence of all phenomena, including religious institutions and practices, underscores the need for a personal and sincere engagement with the teachings. Practitioners are encouraged to reflect on the motivations and the integrity of their practice, ensuring it aligns with the transformative aim outlined by the Buddha. This teaching can serve a gentle reminder and a guide for those on the path, highlighting the essential, enduring principles that should guide one’s spiritual life.
Related Teachings:
Cultivating faith to awaken to the truth (SN 55.55) ↗️ - The Buddha shares stream entry as a simile to awakening to the truth of his teachings. He highlights the factors that leads one to awaken to the truth of enlightenment when followed.
Why does the Buddha teach the removal of desire and lust (SN 22.2) - The Buddha teaches for the removal of desire for the five aggregates
All is Burning (SN 35.28) - The “all” consisting of the six interior and exterior sense bases is burning with the fires of passion, aversion and delusion. The Buddha teaches on how this can be seen with clarity, leading to disenchantment, dispassion and cessation of suffering.