A Gift of Dharma for 7.2.10

Today’s quote is from Bodhidharma, the 5th/6th century Buddhist monk and thinker who is usually credited with introducing Ch’an to China.  This is it:

If you don’t find a teacher soon, you’ll live this life in vain. It’s true, you have the buddha-nature. But without the help of a teacher you’ll never know it. Only one person in a million becomes enlightened without a teacher’s help.

If, though, by the conjunction of conditions, someone understands what the Buddha meant, that person doesn’t need a teacher. Such a person has a natural awareness superior to anything taught. But unless you’re so blessed, study hard, and by means of instruction you’ll understand.