way to learn

to learn something new, 3 conditions must be met, the conditions of a jar:

1. jar must not be broken. if one does not remember or comprehend that which is said, no fruit will come, like no liquid is held by a broken jar. thus, those willing to learn question themselves: 'do i recall what was said? should i ask to explain in other words?'

2. jar must not be closed. when one denies a statement without thorough examination, one denies the opportunity to learn the truth behind it, like a closed jar accepts no liquid. thus, those willing to learn question themselves: 'in what way the statement i deny is right?'

3. jar must be empty. when one is confident about own knowledge in some area, one denies the opportunity to learn something new about that area, like a water filled jar accepts no oil. thus, those willing to learn question themselves: 'do i not presume to know more than the one beside me?'.

in my observations, these conditions are required whenever learning takes place. if one is missing, an argument takes place, not learning. arguments quite rarely bring any answers. i encourage you to check this and let me know of your discoveries.


to learn of own mind, there is one more condition. condition of a buddha: one must be sure to kill a buddha. in other words, treat authority as an equal. an equal, one providing a teaching can be in err, therefore every statement must be thoroughly examined and judged to be accepted or rejected with line of arguments for either. willing to learn question themselves: 'why exactly do i presume that the statement is accurate?'


of course there is a way to study own mind without learning from another, so the conditions above are not a must. yet, in my experience, not using them denies years and decades of peace.

good luck.
mickael