A misunderstanding of Buddhism as an Escape from the World and its Problems. One of the common criticisms often levelled towards Buddhists, by those who have little understanding of dharma, is that it is an escape from reality. A running away from the world and its problems, a selfish fixation upon senseless mumbo jumbo. Such people also assert knowingly, without the slightest experience, that mediation, is merely a negative act of self - absorption. From the outside, such criticisms may appear valid and just. Spending much of ones time seemingly immersed in self- conscious pastimes, whilst seeking personal development would appear to offer very little of value or help to the worlds many problems, or help to alleviate the immense suffering experienced by many people in their daily struggles with existence. And, we must be honest here, if we approach mediation with any sort of aim for self improvement, we will be more or less wasting our time. Yet such an overall dismissive view of Buddhism, devoid as it is of any real insights into the immense riches which dharma practice can open within us, is completely misinformed. Such judgements can never appreciate the Bodhichitta heart of selfless, loving kindness, that shines forth towards all sentient beings, and which arises within all who forsake self-cherishing and self-grasping ways. it would be a grave mistake, on the part of those with little understanding of dharma, to take the view that walking a religious path is a recipe for introversion, or is indeed a postponement of ones duty towards all sentient beings in the world. On the contrary, once we have awoken to our real nature and freed ourselves from our prison of inward looking self-cherishing, we have little option but to go out and immerse ourselves in the overwhelming pain and woes of others. For we have then got rid of the one impediment that stops us from really opening to others, the seemingly solid ad foxed sense of self or I. and all of the desire, anger, pride etc. that comes attached with such a sense of I. There cannot be a running away from the world, for only by experiencing new situations and interactions with others, can we continually add to our deepening understandings, for all encounters are teachers. If we are open to such interactions with others, we see them as the teacher that cleanses our own delusions. To seek to escape from the world, would be to blind oneself to the reality that mankind and the products of the mind and imagination of man are integrated and interconnected energies of nature and Being. We cannot run away from that which is us. However, If we were to spend all of our time in the lotus posture, we should not be too surprised if some of our more active companions are prepared to use us as a door stop. The only positive forms of mediation are of healing of those in suffering, though such practices as Tonglan, where we take on directly the pain and suffering of those who are ill or suffering in anyway. Meditation is meditation in action, which means that the only effective meditational practice is one of involvement in the world. With our minds empty of all dualities such as me and other, and like and dislike, we become of immense value to all other beings, for every situation we encounter is shed of its usual anxieties and fears, of am I doing allright? THE NOBLE BODHISATTVA The highest example of selflessness finds its apotheosis in the noble ideal of the Bodhisattva. Where one takes the vow to sacrifice all self desire and even enlightenment to share in and take on the endless sufferings, worries and pains of all other beings. To jump into the flame of suffering. A Bodhisattva has not desire to teach others, except through his own example, and he pursues his spiritual career without ever losing sight of the welfare of his fellow beings. No sacrifice we make for the sake of others is in vain, even if it is not recognised. Each act is an act of renunciation, a victory over ourselves and therefore an act of liberation. (Lama Anagarika Govinda). The path of dharma is therefore the most effective way to be of real help to all other beings, for only by the deep cleansing of self cherishing, by realising the cause of al suffering, can we offer real help to others. Help is usually very misunderstood. It is often given with conditions, and comes with a me, who is helping another. Real help and alleviation of suffering is free from all conditions. This is why the practice of dharma is of such vital importance in a time of such dismay, fear and pain across our planet.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 20:05:16 +0000
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