Buddhist Philosophy - — Essential Readings - Khamkoo

: Sumedha reasoned that if a lake of pure water exists but a person does not seek it out to wash their stains, the fault lies with the person, not the lake. The Labor of Lifetimes

This effortful struggle, known as the , is what eventually allowed him to claim his seat under the Bo-tree. When challenged by the demon Mara, the Buddha did not rely on a god; he relied on the "effort of his many past lives" and the perfection of his own knowledge. The Pedagogy of the Middle Way Buddhist Philosophy - Essential Readings - Khamkoo

To illustrate the danger of attachment, the Buddha often told stories like that of the . When a fisherman caught a beautiful fish to sell for a high price, the Buddha asked him to release it. : Sumedha reasoned that if a lake of

: He taught that even his own teachings are like a raft used to cross a turbulent river. Once you reach the other shore, you must let the raft go; you do not carry it on your back forever. The Pedagogy of the Middle Way To illustrate

Sumedha's story illustrates , a central pillar of this philosophy:

Ages ago, long before he was known as the Buddha, a young hermit named lay in the mud to serve as a living bridge for a passing Buddha. In that moment of profound humility, he did not merely wish for his own peace; he made a mighty resolve . While he could have crossed the "ocean of existence" alone into Nirvana, he chose instead to endure countless lifetimes of trial so he might eventually become a Buddha and redeem all of humanity.