See the Essence Beyond the Name

One being can be called by many names. The names may differ, while the one they point to may be the same. But if we grasp only the names and argue that they are different, we miss the essence.

The scriptures explain this with the example of the many names of Sakra Devanam Indra. If someone makes offerings under one name while criticizing another name, that is the foolishness of dividing for oneself what is, in the end, the same being. When we cling to names, it is difficult to receive merit and wisdom.

The same thing often happens in practice. If we cling to ideas such as, "Our teacher is the best," "Only our method is right," or "Only my expression is correct," we remain in form rather than truth. It is like debating the shape of the finger that points to the moon and failing to see the moon.

Words and names, forms and methods, are all skillful means. What matters is the essence to which those means point. Whether we call it emptiness, the Way, or awakening, the names may differ, but the place we must see is one.

Today, may we not be bound by names and forms, but directly see the essence to which all those expressions point.