'"Never judge a book by its cover" - (Unless you are learning to read)'.
(Mr David Baird, in his book: "A Thousand Paths to Enlightenment").
(For Treasure oft in Earthen vessels lies). :-)
Baird's book is a prime example of this, in my life.
I saw it's plush, modern cover on a sales counter at a book store in my local town... I was looking for some guidance, somehow, some-where, but just didn't have the contacts to put me in touch with something / someone i could believe in...
I'd despaired.
The book was reduced from £5.99, to £1 - for quick sale. There were others.
"It's got the word Enlightenment in it, i suppose", i thought, unenthused. "I should do it the honour of giving it at least a try / perusal".
Was not disappointed when i came to look at it, months later. Here was a Master. :-)
He's influenced my whole family. My brother took a copy of the book to Uni with him (and he is / was an absolute tearaway)! It's the only book i've / can consistently recommend to friends.
But / so... The moral of the story is...
"Don't judge books by covers". :-)
We can often be, having made a more thorough inquiry, serendipitously surprised. :-)
Best Wishes,
Arj
Links to some interesting questions on the topic... :-)
On (mis-) interpretation:
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArvGOkKVxZnpqN7gpns5PYAhBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20080114112645AA5NWra
On not jumping to conclusions:
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=At7mVzI2bVqyBcOeWuHYNv4gBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20080127004104AAU9VA2
On understanding people:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.192.than.html
On looking beyond words... (and 'labels')... ([beyond] perception)... [Prajnapti].
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9061189/prajnapti
Sometimes it's about looking 'through', and not at. (From the film, "Patch Adams", with Robin Williams). :-)
The moon is not the finger, pointing to it.
Regards & Best Wishes,
Ar J
