Buddhism and the Philosophy of Freedom

Submitted by Tim Bourke on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 4:26am.

 I found this Buddhist quote today which got me thinking:

While the Tathagata, in his teaching, constantly makes use of conceptions and ideas about them, disciples should keep in mind the unreality of all such conceptions and ideas. They should recall that the Tathagata, in making use of them in explaining the Dharma always uses them in the semblance of a raft that is of use only to cross a river. As the raft is of no further use after the river is crossed, it should be discarded. So these arbitrary conceptions of things and about things should be wholly given up as one attains enlightenment. -Buddha ...

Personally I think this is completely in line with the spirit and intent of the Philosophy of Freedom - what do others think?  Are any qualifications required to such an absolute statement?

Regards,

                   Tim

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PoF as the raft

Submitted by Patri on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 2:26pm.

Dear Tim,
 
Thanks for sharing this, it is a beautiful statement. I agree it is very much in alignment with PoF.  PoF is the raft, the river is our own soul and inner life, and once one has crossed the river (gained the experience that is ensouled in PoF) then one can let go of the raft because one really does not need it any longer. 
 
Cheers,
Patri

thanks

Submitted by Jeffrey on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 4:25pm.

beautiful.

Well.....I would save the

Submitted by GrammaConcept on Mon, 09/22/2008 - 6:38pm.

Well.....I would save the raft in a safe place
because someone else might need it.....
or, perhaps, could benefit from even seeing,
tangibly,
that it actually exists...

nice existential concepts but, a little too self-serving
for the form of my particular journey...