Next-Generation Ultimate Buddhism

An ordinary person has only a small bookshelf in their mind, holding a few books. Their knowledge is limited, and their thinking can be highly rigid. When they encounter a new book or new knowledge, they inevitably compare it with what they already know. If the two conflict, they'll feel torn, and one of two things may happen:

The first is to reject the new book and its author, even attacking them.

The second is to doubt and reject themselves, then discard their old books and make room for the new one. This is something most people find hard to do.

Most people choose to reject others, because rejecting yourself means admitting your own ignorance and shortcomings, which takes tremendous courage.

Being willing to question yourself and accept new knowledge is a good thing, but it shouldn't be done too often. Do it too much and you'll lose your own judgment, believing whatever you hear and easily being led by outside information.

So I encourage everyone to build a vast library in their mind, divided into several sections, each neatly arranged into compartments, with bookshelves filling every compartment.

Humanity has accumulated an enormous amount of knowledge. No one can learn it all in a lifetime, which means we can never fill this great library.

But once we've built the library and set up the bookshelves, we can sort each new book into its proper place when we come across it. We don't have to let it conflict with the books already there. Even if their contents are completely opposite, we can accept them as impartial observers.

Broaden your horizons. Don't become narrow-minded and rigid, and don't argue with people who hold different views. Learn whatever is useful to us.