seeing things as they really are

[happy soul]

In Buddhism, one of the goals is to see things (including yourself) as they really are. The following are some ideas that can help us to do that. I'm posting this not just to help you all, but because it's what I need to learn.

1. First we need to deeply realize that we DON'T see things as they are. Everybody has their own 'story', their own VERSION of everything, and probably no one sees themselves or anyone exactly as they are.

2. I think it's important to understand that people usually see what they WANT to see. We typically see things in ways that make us feel SECURE - SAFE. Another form of perceptual manipulation is seeing what makes you feel SPECIAL. Our view of things is, for the most part, a massive DEFENSE - a way of protecting ourselves. We avoid seeing the real truth out of fear.

3. It's absolutely essential, if we want healing and growth, to become WILLING to see the truth. We must love and value ourselves enough to be willing to be HONEST with ourselves. With sufficient willingness and self-honesty, we can allow the truth to reveal itself - we can allow our beliefs and perceptions to be healed.

4. We need to have faith. Faith allows us to feel secure. We must trust that 'all is well'. With the deep sense of security that faith affords, we can have the courage to look upon things as they are.

5. Finally, meditation is one way to see things increasingly clearly. In Buddhism, they call it 'polishing the mirror'. It's a way of LETTING GO of ILLUSIONS and allowing the mind to recognize truth.

[happy soul]

sorry about the double post

[sky]

Bodhi originally has no tree.
The bright mirror also has no stand.
Fundamentally there is not a single thing.
Where could dust arise?

It's best not to be stuck in any view but to respond to different situations with clarity.

[FallingLeaves]

Originally Posted by sky123

Bodhi originally has no tree.
The bright mirror also has no stand.
Fundamentally there is not a single thing.
Where could dust arise?

It's best not to be stuck in any view but to respond to different situations with clarity.

is that a view to be stuck in?

[sky]

Originally Posted by FallingLeaves

is that a view to be stuck in?

I find my views change with situations but everyone is different...

[Jeremy Bong]

Now I understand the situation on outlook or thinking of a person or of people. For example, a person who knows metaphysics and a person who only following texts which haven't mentioned about the secret of metaphysics then their differences between them should be great, innit? Or maybe the level of metaphysics that mentioned in the texts are different then their outlooks should be in great different for "different experiences".

[Nerina]

Very beautiful and true indeed. As simple and precise they sound to be they require much effort to be attained.

[dream jo]

iv sean thng its not ther bt only iv sean thm sum tims iv scred my slf silly i hav

"Seeing things as they really are" is a misnomer. In Buddhism the goal is to see things in a Buddhist context - from a Buddhist perspective.

Without context there can be no understanding, and context demands perspective - and perspectives differ.

We all look at things as they 'really' are - the only difference is what we see.

[sky]

Originally Posted by Kioma

"Seeing things as they really are" is a misnomer. In Buddhism the goal is to see things in a Buddhist context - from a Buddhist perspective.

Without context there can be no understanding, and context demands perspective - and perspectives differ.

We all look at things as they 'really' are - the only difference is what we see.

In Buddhism you are encouraged to see things as you experience them, not from Buddha's teachings but your own perspective

The ' Kalama Sutta ' might help you understand...