I realized that we're all very intelligent sentient beings but our wisdoms vary. That's why Sakyamuni Buddha has left 84,000 Dharma doors or teachings for all to listen, learn, experience and use. It also dawned upon me that we should not be prejudiced on other Dharma methods or teachings that may look unorthodox. Nevertheless, according to the 'Kalama Sutta' from the Theravada Tripitaka Canon, The Buddha mentioned that one should investigate the Dharma before accepting and upholding such Dharmas for the benefit of oneself and others.
In line with this gatha, we should always strive to investigate all kinds of Dharma so we can determine if the Dharma is expounded by our Lord Sakyamuni Buddha or spoken by the Externalist and other Occultist. It is best to always cross reference with the Sanghas and the Vast Sutras available on print and on line.
The ultimate is to entirely 'let go' of all our prejudice, our views, our perceptions on the BuddhaDharma itself, as written in the Vajracheddika Prajna Paramita Sutra
(The Diamond Prajna Paramita Sutra) :
Chapter 5.
"Subhuti, what do you think? Can the Buddha be recognized by means of his bodily form?"
"No, Most Honored One, the Buddha cannot be recognized by means of his bodily form. Why? Because when the Buddha speaks of bodily form, it is not a real form, but only an illusion."
The Buddha then spoke to Subhuti: "All that has a form is illusive and unreal. When you see that all forms are illusive and unreal, then you will begin to perceive your true Buddha nature."
Chapter 9.
Buddha then asked, "What do you think, Subhuti, does one who has entered the stream which flows to Enlightenment, say 'I have entered the stream'?"
"No, Buddha", Subhuti replied. "A true disciple entering the stream would not think of themselves as a separate person that could be entering anything. Only that disciple who does not differentiate themselves from others, who has no regard for name, shape, sound, odor, taste, touch or for any quality can truly be called a disciple who has entered the stream."
Buddha continued, "Does a disciple who is subject to only one more rebirth say to himself, 'I am entitled to the honors and rewards of a Once-to-be-reborn.'?"
"No, Lord. 'Once-to-be-reborn' is only a name. There is no passing away, or coming into, existence. Only one who realizes this can really be called a disciple."
"Subhuti, does a venerable One who will never more be reborn as a mortal say to himself, 'I am entitled to the honor and rewards of a Non-returner.'?"
"No, Perfectly Enlightened One. A 'Non-returner' is merely a name. There is actually no one returning and no one not-returning."
"Tell me, Subhuti. Does a Buddha say to himself, 'I have obtained Perfect Enlightenment.'?"
"No, lord. There is no such thing as Perfect Enlightenment to obtain. If a Perfectly Enlightened Buddha were to say to himself, 'I am enlightened' he would be admitting there is an individual person, a separate self and personality, and would therefore not be a Perfectly Enlightened Buddha."
Subhuti then said, "Most Honored One! You have said that I, Subhuti, excel amongst thy disciples in knowing the bliss of Enlightenment, in being perfectly content in seclusion, and in being free from all passions. Yet I do not say to myself that I am so, for if I ever thought of myself as such then it would not be true that I escaped ego delusion. I know that in truth there is no Subhuti and therefore Subhuti abides nowhere, that he neither knows nor does he not know bliss, and that he is neither free from nor enslaved by his passions."
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