When it was apparent that the Buddha was going to die, Ananda was upset. He was losing his family member, his teacher, someone with whom he'd spent 45 years helping to spread the teachings of the Dharma. The Buddha's last words to him, to the Sangha, and to all of us were:
“Ananda, it may be that you may think: 'The Teacher's instruction has ceased, now we have no teacher.'
It should not be seen like this, for what I have taught and explained to you as Dhamma and the rule will, at my passing, be your teacher.”
"Behold, O monks, this is my last advice to you. All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation."
No teacher can awaken you. The Buddha, Bodhidharma, Seung Sahn, anyone other than ourselves can't awaken you. it's a job we have to do ourselves, and we do it for the sake of all beings.
Myeong Jin Eunsahn gives a brief talk at One Mind Zen of February 15, 2023.
