Discussion
He's making a point of saying that all degrees of practice are valid. If you're using art as your practice and it comes out like a toddler's crayon drawing, that's still a step on the path! Your current skill level shouldn't dissuade you.
And we should value every effort, no matter how small! Even if someone offers a flower while distracted, that's still a step on the path. I've heard this expressed in the reverse: don't punish the behavior you want to see.
#Mastodharma
The Buddha can't bring himself to teach inferior ways to enlightenment. But I'm getting the impression that these inferior paths are more widely acceptable, and they might still prepare someone for the true dharma? I'm not sure the Buddha would agree with me.
#Mastodharma
@neia
No! This is not true. Buddhism teaches about "skill in means". You meet people where they are.
@neia Years ago a Buddhist monk told me that the core of the Dharma was the 4 noble truths and the 8 fold path, and that everything else, the Buddha gave for those who didn't or wouldn't understand.
I thought I knew what he meant, now I wonder if this is what he meant?
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