Of course the Dharma-body of the Buddha was the hedge at…
“Of course the Dharma-body of the Buddha was the hedge at the bottom of the garden. At the same time, and no less obviously, it was these flowers, it was anything that I - or rather the blessed Not-I - cared to look at.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage uses garden imagery to illustrate how the Buddha’s teachings (the Dharma-body) serve as a foundational support, while the surrounding beauty represents the individual’s personal focus and appreciation of life.
In simple terms: Dharma as foundation, personal perception as flowers
Teachings ground us; we choose what to notice
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- meditative contemplation
- artistic inspiration
- educational discussion on Buddhist concepts
- personal journaling
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- using metaphor to teach Buddhist philosophy
- enhancing mindfulness practices
Questions to Reflect On
- How does grounding in core teachings affect what we value?
- What role does personal perception play in spiritual practice?