I do not know if there are enlightened beings but I am sure that there are enlightened moments.
Suzuki Roshi (1904-1971) Sōtō Zen monk and teacher
who helped popularize Zen Buddhism in the United States
Think not lightly of good, saying it will not come to me. Drop by drop is the water pot filled, likewise the wise one gathering it little by little fills oneself with good.
Dhammapada proverb
“I’m stringing these two brief quotes together because they are, to me, related. Whether it’s taking in these enlightened moments or whether it is drop by drop cultivating the capacity to have enlightened moments, it’s enormously realistic and hopeful to recognize that every day gives us opportunities for enlightened moments. Everything gives us opportunities to heal ourselves and to grow wisdom, peace, happiness, and love, which will then help us have even more enlightened moments. I think that’s an upward spiral that we can all rise on and in so doing be kinder to others, less aggressive toward them, and more able to help them too in their own paths of awakening.”
Rick Hanson, Ph.D.
author of
NeuroDharma: New Science, Ancient Wisdom
and Seven Practices of the Highest Happiness
