When the Buddha was teaching in India, he was asked a question by someone who came to listen. The question was about priests, specifically this man wanted to know who would lead him to God. The Buddha then asked this man a series of questions meant to lead the questioner to the answer. He asked the man about the qualities that God possessed. Together they came up with a list, they decided that God would exemplify the following.
1. He is free from anger
2. He is free from greed
3. He is free from selfish ambition
4. He does not seek comfort in material things
5. He does not misuse sex
Using these qualities the Buddha then asked about the priests that the people were supposed to follow. He asked the man if any of these priests had all of these qualities. The man said no, and went on to recount stories of lustful and feuding priests.
The Buddha then asked this. "How do you think you can find perfection if you follow imperfect men?"
His listener didn't quite understand, so Buddha put it to him in this way. "If you want to get to God, follow God."
It is as simple as that. Use God as your guide and example if your spiritual goal is to get to God.
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