The Power of Recollecting the Buddha
Whether you're a Buddhist practitioner, a meditator, someone interested in the topic, or just happened upon this writing, you're all welcome. Even if you have a secular meditation practice, I believe I can make the case that recollecting the Buddha holds value for you.
Often, the practice of recollecting or remembering the Buddha gets relegated to a purely religious practice. But when we really look at the meaning and driving force behind it, it's not religious. It's simply a way to get used to a potential we all have. I wanted to start with that to welcome anyone from any walk of life. You don't have to be Buddhist to practice what I'm going to discuss.
One more thing: the historical Buddha, who we often refer to as Shakyamuni Buddha, wasn't a Buddhist himself. So, we can open up the question of what this is all about then, right? I hope you can keep some open questions as you read, and even if you're a longtime Buddhist practitioner, maybe this can offer a new view on a very simple, yet powerful practice.
Basically, remembering or recollecting the Buddha is a way to remember our own potential for awakening and freedom.
I want you to do a quick exercise or visualization with me: When you think of the Buddha, whether it's a beautiful image, a statue, a teaching, or whatever pops into your mind, what do you notice happens to you? What happens to your energy, your body, and your mind? Take a moment to do that.
Okay, without assuming your experience, what I notice in myself and what others often share with me is a sense of peace, especially if you're resonating with the figure or symbol of the Buddha. For most of us, the Buddha represents simplicity, peace, and maybe even calmness. For those who have studied Dharma, he is also a symbol of awakening and our own potential for inner freedom.
As you continue with the exercise, notice what you feel and what happens to you. I understand that some people may have a different experience when they imagine the Buddha. While that's true, I believe that for most of us, the image or symbol of the Buddha represents something peaceful, something we desire.
After all, our lives are often stressful. We struggle with overwhelm, and if we're honest, we don't always know how to deal with the overwhelm that comes up. The Buddha recognized this as part of life, and I believe the symbol of the Buddha represents someone who resolved that to some degree. Buddhists believe he resolved it completely, meaning he resolved the fundamental stress of existence.
Now, the actual resolution itself is a vast topic with numerous teachings and a whole path dedicated to it. However, simply put, when we remember or recollect the Buddha, it's a powerful symbol of resolution and reminder of our own inner potential.
With that said, let's delve deeper into the meaning of the word "Buddha." The Tibetan word for Buddha is "Sangye," which can be broken down into two parts representing the two aspects of what it means to be awakened.
The first part, "sang," means "to purify" or "cleanse." So, literally, it means that a Buddha's consciousness has been purified or clarified, removing confusion, stress, and suffering. This also includes destructive habitual patterns and emotions.
The second part, "gye," is a bit more nuanced. It means "expansion" or "blossoming." When we remove confusion and suffering, it's not that we're left with nothing. Instead, all enlightened qualities are fully bloomed, such as unconditional compassion, love, and kindness. So, a Buddha, having cleared their confusion, has expanded into boundless compassion, love, and activity, that can benefit others in extremely profound ways.
Now, returning to our initial premise, when we recollect or remember the Buddha, we're not just recalling the achievements of a revered historical figure. We're also remembering that many beings have awakened throughout history, across various cultures and life circumstances. This signifies that awakening is not something reserved for a select few; it's a potential within us all.
By recollecting the Buddha, we tap into this potential and are inspired to work on ourselves. We learn from the Dharma, meditate, and strive to live differently. We remember that we don't have to settle for suffering or stagnation. We can change for the better.
Ultimately, recollecting the Buddha is about remembering our most profound potential, the potential to transform ourselves and have lasting and meaningful impact on the world around us.
This powerful practice transcends religious boundaries; anyone can benefit from understanding the symbol and historical significance of the Buddha, and realizing that this word extends beyond one person to encompass the potential within all our minds.
In Mahayana Buddhism, the concept of Buddha-nature emphasizes that every being possesses the inherent potential for awakening. Beneath the surface of our perceived limitations, suffering, and unhappiness lies a pure, clarified nature. By connecting with this essence, we can blossom into limitless compassion, love, and skillful action, interacting with others and the world in a more free, open, and fluid way.
Lastly, here's a simple practice you can try:
When you wake up, dedicate a moment to remembering the Buddha, either the historical figure or another enlightened being that resonates with you, such as Tara, Avalokiteshvara, or any symbol of enlightenment that inspires you.
Recognize this as an invitation to integrate awakening into your day. Just as waking up symbolizes emerging from the darkness of sleep, this practice reminds you of your potential and motivates you to dedicate energy to your spiritual journey.
Hold the image of the Buddha in your mind as you move into your day or practice, carrying that energy with you.
Thank you, and may this practice open a world of possibilities for you!
