Teacher David,


 From what I understand, Gotoma Buddha was a literalist and you are also a literalist.

It's come to my understanding that the sayings of Christ were poetic, not just one literal meaning but open to interpretation, many interpretations.

Not due to misinterpretation but by design.


( like the Mona Lisa )

I tend to also speak poetically, even in casual conversations it seems. This can lead to confusion both for the listener and also for me.

Later, I often find the meaning of my own words in ways I could not have foreseen. Not sure if this is entirely an unwise thing, if it's mixed or could actually be wise.

I get confused . . there were a few times Gotoma Buddha used poetry but it seems few and far between and in a limited fashion . . can you add clarity to my ideas and offer me guidance?

Thank you for all the help.

Teacher David:


Hello Chris…sure, I will help you.

I do not recommend that you attempt to label The Buddha as being one way or another, or label anyone at all.

Assigning a label to someone just puts them in a certain “box” and attempts to classify them as being one way or another.

If we label The Buddha, me, or anyone else as being one way or another, that means the people who are of the opposite would consider this person to be opposite of them and perhaps dismissive of what that person can offer to others and to the world.

In the case of The Buddha, they may not consider The Teachings of The Buddha as something that would be helpful in their life.

This would be unfortunate as the individual would miss the opportunity to see true reality and experience liberation of the mind, freedom from strong feelings, peace, joy, the Enlightened mind.

It is true that The Buddha rarely spoke in poetic ways instead, he shared Teachings clearly, concisely, and precisely. That way, there would be no interpretation needed.

A Buddha is interested in having their Teachings be accessible to the widest audience possible so that “all beings” can attain Enlightenment.

Therefore, they speak in clear, concise, and precise ways to ensure that everyone and anyone can learn and practice their Teachings to experience the results of the Enlightened mind.

There is no need for complicated language or complex Teachings as the more simplified The Teachings, the more powerful they are to help countless people in the world.