The Infinite Living Teachings with Sheilan

Buddha
from Sermon at Benares
Sixth Century

"It sometimes happens that a man, when bathing in
the river, steps upon a wet rope and imagines that it
is a snake. Terror will overcome him, and he will
shake with fear, anticipating in his mind all the
agonies caused by the serpent's venomous bite.

What a relief does this man experience when he
sees that the rope is no snake. The cause of his fear
lies in his error, his ignorance, his illusion. If the true
nature of the rope is recognized, his tranquility of
mind will come back to him; he will feel relieved; he
will be joyful and happy. This is the state of mind of
one who has recognized that there is no selfhood
(ego), and that the cause of all his troubles, cares
and vanities is a mirage, a shadow, a dream."

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