individuality

individuality is not an ego thing. sometimes we hear traditional Asian teachers tell us that the realization of individuality and the expression of individual creativity are egotistical, an expression of samsara. but i sense that such claims are more likely reflecting Asian cultural values than being anything inherent to buddhism itself.

practitioners everywhere are waking up to the same realization--that developing and expressing one's own individuality and creativity is actually what the planet needs and what reality is calling for. we as practitioners know this because when we meditate, when we enter the wilds of the unborn mind, we run into our deepest selves--not as a given, but as a challenge and a mission--and fulfilling this mission is the imperative that is being laid on us.

reginald ray