Mind, the Awakened, and Beings Are Not Three
Mind, the awakened one, and all living beings — these three are in essence without distinction.
Have I ranked too steeply the gap between myself and others, and between myself and a better self?
📝Reflection
This verse can sound like abstract metaphysics. But brought down to daily life, it becomes a warm consolation. It says my ordinary mind, some lofty state I look up to, and the person beside me who is no different from me all share, in essence, the same ground. We keep assigning ranks: that one is far above me, and I am far below. That lining-up shrinks us. "Without distinction" is no license to put on airs; it means everyone stands on the same ground of possibility, so do not carelessly belittle yourself nor inflate another.
🌱Apply It Today
Recall someone you placed far above you today, and consider once: "we stand on the same ground." A layer of intimidation peels away.
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
