"People of this world are deluded. They're always longing for something - always, in a word, seeking"
- Bodhidharma
About this Quote
Bodhidharma's quote shows an extensive observation of humanity and is deeply rooted in the concepts of Zen Buddhism, of which he is considered the creator. By mentioning that "people of this world are deluded," Bodhidharma is alluding to the concept that a lot of individuals live under a veil of impression. This illusion is typically the result of lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of the true nature of reality, which, according to Buddhist philosophy, is marked by impermanence and the lack of a long-term self.
The phrase "they're constantly yearning for something" talks to the human tendency to desire and long for. This yearning is viewed as a source of suffering in Buddhist believed, which presumes that desire is among the essential toxins that obscure knowledge. The consistent craving for product possessions, relationships, success, or perhaps spiritual accomplishments indicates a misalignment with the core Buddhist ideal of contentment and inner peace. Rather than discovering satisfaction within, people often seek satisfaction in external situations, causing a cycle of short-lived fulfillment followed by restored longing.
Bodhidharma encapsulates this cycle of discontentment with the word "seeking." This term recommends a restless pursuit of something beyond our current state, indicating that what is looked for is constantly out of reach. This continuous looking for prevents people from realizing the innate peace and completeness that, according to Zen, already lives within them. By emphasizing these aspects, Bodhidharma welcomes people to transcend their misconceptions and desires through mindfulness and direct experience of the present moment.
Ultimately, the quote urges a shift from outside looking for to inward reflection. It encourages cultivating awareness and understanding of the self, which, in turn, can result in freedom from the delusions and desires that Bodhidharma views as endemic to the human condition. Through this inward journey, people may discover that the satisfaction they have been seeking is not external but rather an intrinsic part of their being.
