01.30.06
Listening and understanding
I was talking to elisa earlier today and near the end she stated that she felt that I really understood and listened when we were talking (I can’t say I completely agree with this pov). Fast foward one hour to me reflecting on the conversation. I think that she genuinely listens and strives to find truth and understanding in not only our conversations, but in her overall life. Thus our conversations concerning our daily happenings, experiences, and thoughts can be quite interesting at times. In this regard, I was reminded of an interesting quote of Gotama Buddha I happened to come across.
In Buddhist tradition, It is said that soon after his enlightenment the Buddha passed a man on the road who was struck by the Buddha’s extraordinary radiance and peaceful presence. The man stopped and asked, “My friend, what are you? Are you a celestial being or a god?”
“No,” said the Buddha.
“Well, then, are you some kind of magician or wizard?”
Again the Buddha answered, “No.”
“Are you a man?”
“No.”
“Well, my friend, then what are you?”
The Buddha replied, “I am awake.”