"Those who say they know, don't." Buddhist saying
Some intellectual grasp of Buddhism is easy. But we don't really get it, until we ARE it. And becoming it - living an integrated, congruent life - is a lifelong transformational process - not merely comprehending an idea. Those who are well on their way, may not even be consciously aware of the extent of their own transformation - are fish aware of water?
On the other hand, even long-time meditators retain plenty of "rough edges." A great deal of humility, honesty, patience and perseverance is required to see ourselves objectively - without a "halo effect". Our family and loved ones are the ones most acutely aware of our remaining foibles.
“... the development of the genuine individual, who can embody and express the larger dimensions of being in his or her person. ... integrate our spiritual realization into the whole fabric of our personal life and waking up to our ultimate spiritual nature, ... to grow up – to ripen into a mature, fully developed person.”
Welwood J. “Toward a psychology of awakening. Buddhism, psychotherapy, and the path of personal and spiritual transformation.” Shambhala, Boston, 2002.
And then there's the small matter of the Bodhisattva vow ...
Bob Frager PhD 2012 interview
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