My Life Is Like An Alms Bowl

We are here to learn to see, to dispel all ignorance with intuitive wisdom. When I walk on alms round, even if nothing is given, I see that my life is like an alms bowl. It is both full and empty – full of emptiness, like all conditioned things. They have no choice but to arise and pass away. Seeing this, I can stand for truth in the present moment and not be diminished by the sufferings of this life. The flame of truth in the mind will not go out – and that will be our rescue.  A talk given at the Ottawa Buddhist Society Friday evening, Dec. 16, 2022.