A person who is able to attain perfect Enlightenment is called the Buddha. His perfect realization of the Dharma is not merely an understanding, but also a way of action. He must allow himself to become one with the Truth. The Buddha is the Buddha because of the Dharma. And due to this, we can say that through the Buddha, the Dharma is manifested. This means that mind, speech and physical actions of the Buddha are one with the Dharma (or Truth). These deeds of the Buddha and the Truth are identical without discrepancy or contradictions. Therefore, he is called an enlightened Buddha.
What is a sentient being or common being? A sentient being is one whose mind, speech, and physical deeds are in disharmony with the Dharma. His/her physical actions are not in accordance with the Dharma; his/her mental thoughts are also not in unity with the Dharma. Therefore, he/she has mental afflictions or defilements. Only through cultivation, that is adjusting or purifying our mind, speech and physical actions, will one’s deeds harmonize with the Truth. In this way, we are also able to attain Buddhahood. Not only Sakyamuni can become a Buddha, but all of us can also become Buddha. And this may be only achieved when our mind, speech and physical deed become pure and in accord with the Dharma.
Therefore, when we face the Dharma, we need to learn humbleness. Facing the Truth of life, we must learn to bow our heads. For sentient beings bound in Samsara, this may be the most difficult lesson because all beings bound in the endless cycle of rebirth have self-conceit or pride. When facing reality, a sentient being does not bow his/her head and thinks: “I am right! I am correct! Everyone in the world may be wrong, but I am right!” Adhering to a thought like this, it becomes a great obstacle for his/her learning. It is an obstruction for obtaining an insight of what is the Truth.
Self-conceit being the first obstacle of enlightenment, we must overcome it with humility. We must seek and learn the Dharma with respect. This is our first lesson in cultivation. Though humility, there will be self-reflections or introspections. When we lower our heads, we can see ourselves. Seeing that we are imperfect, need purification and transcend those shortcomings. Like the rainwater that does not stay on the tall mountaintop and will flow to the lower places, the Dharma water will not flow into a person with high conceited mind.
