So, according to ancient texts, before Buddha was enlightened, there were some Big Time Ideas and temptations that crossed his consciousness. Very non-Buddha-like propositions. Seems that Jesus also had a share of alternatives crossing His path in the desert, when He was alone. (Or, at least when He was feeling alone...) So, if we hear of these guys, who did manage to get it all together, stopping for a second and at least "hearing out" the possibilities for fame, fortune, sex, drugs, power and prestige--all on a world-wide scale--how can we, possibly, deal with holding to the Middle Path in our mundane lives, without the benefit of Godhood, or Enlightenment?
There is a teaching in Buddhist doctrine which states, " Don't be swayed by external circumstances".
I've been contemplating this one for a bit. I think it means that, whatever comes up to our attention, in everyday life, be it taxes, relationship issues, even SUCCESS, don't let it sway you from your focus. Realize that all of these things are illusions. All will pass. All have nothing to do with who you really are or what you are really all about, on the deepest level. Or, if ideas sway us in our consciousness, we aren't to let them take us over, either. No actions nor ideas should prevent us from seeking, always, the Middle Path. It is the road to sanity and highest vision.
That's tricky. We are attracted to the bling of sweet substances and sweeter encounters. We rush towards anything that feels good. (Or promises to feel good.) Then, we seek to "own it forever". Become obsessed with holding on. With doing anything to replicate that experience or object or taste or sensation. We drown in attachment and craving. Ultimately, it can destroy us. (Read "Macbeth". Shakespeare got it!)
The other side of this sparkling coin is that we run, screaming, away from anything that smacks of bitterness or pain. We cringe and cry and flee from those challenges, not wanting to face a moment of discomfort nor "stretch", to see what's on the other side. This is what is meant by fleeing from external circumstances, off the Middle Path and into oblivion, yet again. Avoiding the darkness means never truly understanding the light...
Harmony might not be in sight, but it surely is out of grasp, if we cannot keep an open heart to ALL CHALLENGES. Neither fleeing nor avoiding; not bemoaning nor shutting down; nor even shutting out that which looks, on the surface, as upsetting. All lessons are valuable, the ancient texts teach us. Holding our seat, going through the center of them, not grasping and not avoiding, but simply examining, experiencing, accepting and keeping to the path, is the way to Enlightenment.
As Pema Chodron, Buddhist teacher and nun, writes: the point is, that challenges don't cease if you wish to keep your heart open...they increase...Realizing this doesn't make it easier, but it may make us give ourselves a break when we fail. Then, take our seat, once more, and remain open.
So, why do it in the first place? (Why all these teachings from teachers ancient and new? Why all these rules, regulations, vows, aphorisms, actions and words?) I guess only we can answer that.
In our own hearts, on our own quests.
Loads of people don't even ask the question.
(But, if you have, then, there are maps.)
Knowing this, no matter what external distractions are tugging at you, is the first step.
There is a teaching in Buddhist doctrine which states, " Don't be swayed by external circumstances".
I've been contemplating this one for a bit. I think it means that, whatever comes up to our attention, in everyday life, be it taxes, relationship issues, even SUCCESS, don't let it sway you from your focus. Realize that all of these things are illusions. All will pass. All have nothing to do with who you really are or what you are really all about, on the deepest level. Or, if ideas sway us in our consciousness, we aren't to let them take us over, either. No actions nor ideas should prevent us from seeking, always, the Middle Path. It is the road to sanity and highest vision.
That's tricky. We are attracted to the bling of sweet substances and sweeter encounters. We rush towards anything that feels good. (Or promises to feel good.) Then, we seek to "own it forever". Become obsessed with holding on. With doing anything to replicate that experience or object or taste or sensation. We drown in attachment and craving. Ultimately, it can destroy us. (Read "Macbeth". Shakespeare got it!)
The other side of this sparkling coin is that we run, screaming, away from anything that smacks of bitterness or pain. We cringe and cry and flee from those challenges, not wanting to face a moment of discomfort nor "stretch", to see what's on the other side. This is what is meant by fleeing from external circumstances, off the Middle Path and into oblivion, yet again. Avoiding the darkness means never truly understanding the light...
Harmony might not be in sight, but it surely is out of grasp, if we cannot keep an open heart to ALL CHALLENGES. Neither fleeing nor avoiding; not bemoaning nor shutting down; nor even shutting out that which looks, on the surface, as upsetting. All lessons are valuable, the ancient texts teach us. Holding our seat, going through the center of them, not grasping and not avoiding, but simply examining, experiencing, accepting and keeping to the path, is the way to Enlightenment.
As Pema Chodron, Buddhist teacher and nun, writes: the point is, that challenges don't cease if you wish to keep your heart open...they increase...Realizing this doesn't make it easier, but it may make us give ourselves a break when we fail. Then, take our seat, once more, and remain open.
So, why do it in the first place? (Why all these teachings from teachers ancient and new? Why all these rules, regulations, vows, aphorisms, actions and words?) I guess only we can answer that.
In our own hearts, on our own quests.
Loads of people don't even ask the question.
(But, if you have, then, there are maps.)
Knowing this, no matter what external distractions are tugging at you, is the first step.
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