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                         ***  ENTERING  THE  HEART  OF  THE  BUDDHA  by  Thich  Nhat  Hanh  ***

    Buddha was not a god.  He was a human being like you and me, and he suffered just as we do.  

If we go to the Buddha with our hearts open, he will look at us, his eyes filled with compassion, and say,

                 " Because there is suffering in your heart, it is possible for you to enter my heart. "

    The layman Vimalakirti said,

                 " Because the world is sick, I am sick.  Because people suffer, I have to suffer. "

This statement was also made by the Buddha.    Please don't think that because you are unhappy, because 

there is pain in your heart, that you cannot go to the Buddha. It is exactly because there is pain in your 

heart that communication is possible.    Your suffering and my suffering are the basic condition for us to

enter the Buddha's heart, and for the Buddha to enter our hearts.

    For forty-five years, the Buddha said, over and over again, 

                                " I teach only suffering and the transformation of suffering. "

When we recognize and acknowledge our own suffering, the Buddha - which means the Buddha in us - will

look at it, discover what has brought it about, and prescribe a course of action that can transform it into 

peace, joy and liberation.    Suffering is the means the Buddha used to liberate himself, and it is also the

means by which we can become free.

    The ocean of suffering is immense, but if you turn around, you can see the land.   The seed of suffering 

in you may be strong, but don't wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.

When one tree in the garden is sick, you have to care for it.         But don't overlook all the healthy trees.

Even while you have pain in your heart, you can enjoy the many wonders of life  -  the beautiful sunset, the

smile of a child, the many flowers and trees.   To suffer is not enough.   Please don't be imprisoned by your

suffering.

    If you have experienced hunger, you know that having food is a miracle.   If you have suffered from the

cold, you know the preciousness of warmth.         When you have suffered, you know how to appreciate the 

elements of paradise that are present.   If you dwell only in your suffering, you will miss paradise.  Don't

ignore your suffering, but don't forget to enjoy the wonders of life, for your sake and for the benefit of 

many beings.

                                                          ~    Thich Nhat Hanh    ~