...Tell me whatever did you find! ( Speaking Tree, 5th Oct 2010)
HOLDING A MIRROR TO ONESELF
Almost all of us reading this newspaper invariably take a look at ourselves in the mirror atleast once a day. The mirror diligently and un-judgementally reflects what is and what is not. We accept its verdict without much complaint. We then try to better, in whatever way possible, that which is possible to somewhat change and leave the rest of it by living with it in acceptance. We take pride in what we have in terms of our form, beauty, looks and the like and try to be as un-affected as possible with what we lack. We may also resolve and work towards those areas that need to be improved. We step out of the house, with this ‘approved’ confidence, and are ready to take on the world.
Now let us take this mirror to showcase the reflection of our mind and heart! Have you ever attempted this? Chances are that most of us don’t take the effort, not so much because we may not know how to do so, but more perhaps because we may not approve of the magnitude of reflection we might get to see. It may be too much for our ego state to accept. We will easily understand that it is never easy to get ourselves to accept what we don’t like to see in us, especially that which we cannot actually ‘see’. Let me explain.
Imagine a plump lady or a young balding man standing in front of the mirror. The lady generally turns and twists and tries to admire herself in the mirror specifically from those angles which reflect her to be least plump! Likewise the young balding man will try and ‘recover’ those strands or clumps of hair and meticulously try to cover the most balding patch. And then he will see his reflection in the mirror only from those angles convenient to him i.e. from positions he looks least bald. Both these situations and many such are just naturally arising in an untrained mind.
Let us come back now to the mirror reflecting our mind and heart instead, and try and find out the similarities with the physical experiences in front of the mirror. When we attempt this through a session of meditating in calm abiding, where we are only watching our mind, we will initially try and see our reflected mind from only those angles which our ego state or nurtured mind will encourage us to see. For example we might think “I do get angry, but not so often, so its ok” or “Yes, I do get somewhat envious when my neighbour buys a swank car and desire the same for myself too, but I don’t really keep it in my heart”, or we might see ourselves to be someone most humble and put on this act when we are in reality filled with pride and so on. Likewise is the case when we reflect our heart. Our nurtured mind convinces us that we are the most considerate amongst all others, or that our compassion for others knows no bounds and other such false constructions. However, in reality we may be only practicing sympathy and not really compassion.
So, whatever these initial experiences, they are all ploys of the ego to try and defend itself or fool the wisdom mind by creating an element of doubt or in-acceptance. It wants us to see ourselves from only those angles or positions, which makes us feel momentarily good. By putting on a veil, it hides the uglier side dutifully, as that is the nature of ego. Obviously, these states must be seen and eventually destroyed.
In meditation sessions, we reflect on our clouded state of heart and mind and when we see its ugliness, its polluted nature it is actually a beginning well made! Only when we see a mirror with dirt on it, can there be a further scope of cleaning it, isn’t it? Likewise, with sustained meditative reflection, we are able to observe the mind and heart more and more closely and reach a stage where we are able to see them without their ugly facets, without the dirt. Their true nature dawns upon us. And this experience is one of lasting bliss. As the masters say, a sureshot way to begin to see the merit gained towards achieving enlightenment is to be able to imagine the mind and heart without their defilements. Now, the important thing is to consolidate the gained ground of such experiences through regular meditation sessions. Else, within no time, we may have to begin all over again!
Anger, Greed, Ignorance (of our true nature), Jealousy, Pride, Desire, Habitual Tendencies, Mental Formations and Perceptions are poisons and alongwith other destructive thoughts and actions, are unworthy to be retained within us, by their sheer nature of bringing only harm and suffering upon us. However, as the very purpose of life is happiness, they must go!
At the onset of the festive season, many of you would soon begin to clean up your homes, throwing or gifting away things no longer needed. Just the same way let us spare some time and effort towards cleansing of the heart and mind and discard the attributes that are useless to us.
Buddha nature be yours!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
IDLE WORSHIP!
Rituals without Education:
When I was a young boy growing up in Pune in the 70’s, things were naturally different. Model Colony, which today is the heart of the city, was then classified as being in the ‘outskirts’ of the city. My mom had to walk across to the bus stop near the area post office to accompany my sister back home after attending lectures at Fergusson College. The roads were dark and hoodlums snatched chains riding fast on bi-cycles. I was studying at Loyola, Pashan then and we rode our cycles, our prized possession, four abreast, right under a canopy of banyan trees. Visiting Sindh Society where we had some friends was a chilling adventure on few evenings of the week.
The local Ganpati mandal came a bit later but when it did, it never intruded on our sanity. The melodious arati’s sung by Lata Mangeshkar were a delight to hear every morning as we too did pooja at home and devoured all the goodies mom actually made! Infact, almost everybody made them at home then. Like every other growing children, my two siblings and i were excited to have the Lord of Wisdom home for the five days that he was our guest and all else revolved around him. Even doing homework. And when he was gone, our moods lifted after temporary sulking, as there were neighbourhood Ganesha’s to visit and the mandals were yet inviting.
Years rolled on and marriage happened. We moved out and the tradition of Ganpati continued at folks’ place. Mom began ageing and the goodies became lesser but not one bit less tasty, mind you. Some stuff was outsourced. Core competency of making modaks she retained. And yet does. And then one day she established our worthiness and insisted that we, my wife and i, take over the responsibility of playing the Lords host in our own home. Sure, we agreed. The kids were over the moon!
By this time, the mandals began mushrooming all over the city. The fragmentation became conclusive. As a boy i had read that BG Tilak had some other agenda on his mind. This we, as middle-class parents, conveyed in all sincerity to our kids too. But the outside was turning out to be something else. Weird smelling and burly men came to our doorstep ‘requesting’ vargani. They never seemed happy all the years we home-heartedly parted with whatever we could from dad's honest income, despite his government job. I took my kids to show them around the mandals and turned their attention away when i saw the men gamble and booze binge under the Lord’s glutes. “Good Lord!”, i exclaimed mutedly. The music was no longer melodious. Raunchy and sleaze laced songs with suggestive meanings blared from early mornings late into the nights. Then the Supreme Court stepped in. Youth loitered around the by now massive pandals keeping girls and ladies from many sections of society away from offering their obeisance without keeping half an eye open, just incase the adventure of 'making friendship' got the better off these boys! From simple backdrops, the decorations became electronic, mechanized, digitized, robotized and even disguised. The grandeur of the Lord himself was relegated to second place now loosing out to mankind’s superior decorative abilities.
This got us young adults re-look at the concepts of co-operative living, social celebrations, collective worship, dedicated service and other such. My sense is that the Lord re-visited these concepts too.
Things have only ‘advanced’ in these aspects. In the form of multi-ring security cordon, now man provides protection to the Lord. A few years back when i went visiting mandals, i sensed some vacancy in the spirit from when i was a young boy. And now, my kids don’t seem as excited as they were a few years earlier. They continue to be in playful devotion to the home Lord though. Maybe the crowds keep them away. Maybe the show of strength rather than the purpose of devotion has had a role to play in their transformation. Or maybe their child sense is numbed by the absence of right motivation and the true nature of the celebrations which perhaps have lost their way over time. Or has my perception changed, i wonder? Looking around, i see the same glint of excitement in the eyes of kids who came from far and near as i once had decades earlier as a kid myself and my kids had till only recently, only to diminish instead of getting stronger in these difficult times. Will the same happen to these thousands of kids too, i shuddered to think. Adults with the same faith, as earlier, come to visit my city in hordes during these 10-days. But then i also read with amusement that the sale of condoms sees a spurt during this period! On one hand, i have come to realize that the very purpose of devotion and prayer is to keep the cravings of the mind under vigil, yet this news was contrary to the teachings of the Lord himself. Maybe my simple mind cannot put this jig-saw together, I conclude.
“Never mind, let the music play”, says the Lord, “there is hope to learn and mend ways, isn’t there?”
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudhchya Varshi Buddhi Dya!
(Hail the Lord! Bestow wisdom upon us in time to come!)
When I was a young boy growing up in Pune in the 70’s, things were naturally different. Model Colony, which today is the heart of the city, was then classified as being in the ‘outskirts’ of the city. My mom had to walk across to the bus stop near the area post office to accompany my sister back home after attending lectures at Fergusson College. The roads were dark and hoodlums snatched chains riding fast on bi-cycles. I was studying at Loyola, Pashan then and we rode our cycles, our prized possession, four abreast, right under a canopy of banyan trees. Visiting Sindh Society where we had some friends was a chilling adventure on few evenings of the week.
The local Ganpati mandal came a bit later but when it did, it never intruded on our sanity. The melodious arati’s sung by Lata Mangeshkar were a delight to hear every morning as we too did pooja at home and devoured all the goodies mom actually made! Infact, almost everybody made them at home then. Like every other growing children, my two siblings and i were excited to have the Lord of Wisdom home for the five days that he was our guest and all else revolved around him. Even doing homework. And when he was gone, our moods lifted after temporary sulking, as there were neighbourhood Ganesha’s to visit and the mandals were yet inviting.
Years rolled on and marriage happened. We moved out and the tradition of Ganpati continued at folks’ place. Mom began ageing and the goodies became lesser but not one bit less tasty, mind you. Some stuff was outsourced. Core competency of making modaks she retained. And yet does. And then one day she established our worthiness and insisted that we, my wife and i, take over the responsibility of playing the Lords host in our own home. Sure, we agreed. The kids were over the moon!
By this time, the mandals began mushrooming all over the city. The fragmentation became conclusive. As a boy i had read that BG Tilak had some other agenda on his mind. This we, as middle-class parents, conveyed in all sincerity to our kids too. But the outside was turning out to be something else. Weird smelling and burly men came to our doorstep ‘requesting’ vargani. They never seemed happy all the years we home-heartedly parted with whatever we could from dad's honest income, despite his government job. I took my kids to show them around the mandals and turned their attention away when i saw the men gamble and booze binge under the Lord’s glutes. “Good Lord!”, i exclaimed mutedly. The music was no longer melodious. Raunchy and sleaze laced songs with suggestive meanings blared from early mornings late into the nights. Then the Supreme Court stepped in. Youth loitered around the by now massive pandals keeping girls and ladies from many sections of society away from offering their obeisance without keeping half an eye open, just incase the adventure of 'making friendship' got the better off these boys! From simple backdrops, the decorations became electronic, mechanized, digitized, robotized and even disguised. The grandeur of the Lord himself was relegated to second place now loosing out to mankind’s superior decorative abilities.
This got us young adults re-look at the concepts of co-operative living, social celebrations, collective worship, dedicated service and other such. My sense is that the Lord re-visited these concepts too.
Things have only ‘advanced’ in these aspects. In the form of multi-ring security cordon, now man provides protection to the Lord. A few years back when i went visiting mandals, i sensed some vacancy in the spirit from when i was a young boy. And now, my kids don’t seem as excited as they were a few years earlier. They continue to be in playful devotion to the home Lord though. Maybe the crowds keep them away. Maybe the show of strength rather than the purpose of devotion has had a role to play in their transformation. Or maybe their child sense is numbed by the absence of right motivation and the true nature of the celebrations which perhaps have lost their way over time. Or has my perception changed, i wonder? Looking around, i see the same glint of excitement in the eyes of kids who came from far and near as i once had decades earlier as a kid myself and my kids had till only recently, only to diminish instead of getting stronger in these difficult times. Will the same happen to these thousands of kids too, i shuddered to think. Adults with the same faith, as earlier, come to visit my city in hordes during these 10-days. But then i also read with amusement that the sale of condoms sees a spurt during this period! On one hand, i have come to realize that the very purpose of devotion and prayer is to keep the cravings of the mind under vigil, yet this news was contrary to the teachings of the Lord himself. Maybe my simple mind cannot put this jig-saw together, I conclude.
“Never mind, let the music play”, says the Lord, “there is hope to learn and mend ways, isn’t there?”
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudhchya Varshi Buddhi Dya!
(Hail the Lord! Bestow wisdom upon us in time to come!)
Friday, September 17, 2010
Why Nature Refreshes Best!
'Life 365' newspaper, Pune, 20th May 2012
There are a number of ways in which urban dwellers try and soothe their frayed nerves tormented by work stress, competition, lifestyle, loneliness and other modern psycho-physical conditions. Eating out, partying, retail therapy, movies are some methods that bring temporary relief. Few however, have the good fortune to drive into the countryside or take a walk in the woods to derive wholesome benefit. Ever wondered why we get refreshed and invigorated when amidst nature and natural surroundings? Surely you must have heard someone say “Because we come from them and must dissolve into them too”. What does this actually mean?
Kalu Rinpoche writes, “It is from the mind, which embodies the five elemental qualities, that the physical body develops. The physical body itself is imbued with these qualities, and it is because of this mind/body complex that we perceive the outside world-which in turn is composed of the five elemental qualities of earth, water, fire, wind and space”.
Whenever we are amidst natural surroundings, conspicuously or subtly, these elements are around us at all times in some form or the other. How they work their magic on us is understood when one analyses that these very elements have qualities of our mind consciousness, the five sense consciousnesses and critical body functions.
Earth: The ability of our mind to serve as the platform or ground of all our experiences, is represented by the quality of the earth element. The physiological system (muscle and bone) of our body is controlled by this element. At death, while the earth element dissolves, it is felt internally by a sinking feeling by the dying person, as though pulled into a deep cave underground. Externally it is represented by heaviness, tiredness and loss of strength of the body. The earth element controls our sense of smell (olfactory senses). It is no wonder that almost all of us love the smell of earth, especially wet earth. Out of sheer affinity, as children, few of us may have even eaten wet mud!
Water: The continuity and adaptability quality of the mind finds in it the same quality as that of water. Our blood circulation and other fluid systems in the body are controlled by this element. In the process of dying, this is represented by water running from the nose and mouth as this element begins to dissolve. Internally the feeling is of parched lips, mouth and throat as the dying person is often offered water. The sense of taste is controlled by the water element.
Fire: The quality of our mind’s clarity and ability to perceive has the same quality as that of the fire element. Our body’s thermal system that regulates body temperature is controlled by this element. During the process of passing away, as the fire element dissolves, the person begins to feel cold and asks to be covered. The breath feels cold. When touched, the body feels cold externally too. The sense of vision is controlled by this element. No wonder people say, that looks can sometimes be fiery hot or cold!
Wind: The quality of our constantly moving mind is comparable to the wind or air element which too is never still. The respiratory system is controlled by the this element. While alive, it is the breath that connects our body to the mind and mind to the consciousness. Breathing stabilizes the mind and its surging emotions. During the dying process, as this element dissolves, the external signs are that of gasping for in-breath and heavy exhalation. Internally the dying person can feel being deflated and being swept away in a great storm as the wind runs out of the body. The sense of touch is controlled by the wind element.
Space: The vast emptiness nature of mind has the quality of the space element which is present but is formless and limitless. The hearing system of the body is controlled by this element. During the process of dying when this element is dissolving the hearing begins to fail and we hear sounds but cannot make out the words. Externally, the sign of peace or bliss can be seen on the face of the person as delusions begin to dissolve. The sense of balance too is controlled by this element. We know that behind the ear drum is the vacuum space for assisting us in maintaining our body balance and hearing. Within us, void or space fills up other cavities too.
As such, an intimate relation exists between the five elements, the qualities of our mind and five sense consciousnesses, inextricable from one another. So, remember to take such breaks regularly, even if it means a quiet walk each day in the neighbourhood garden, to stay refreshed, rejuvenated happy and healthy. Also, be in prayer to these elements for them to be in equilibrium within us. As these simple things are entirely in our hands, so is well-being.
Kalu Rinpoche writes, “It is from the mind, which embodies the five elemental qualities, that the physical body develops. The physical body itself is imbued with these qualities, and it is because of this mind/body complex that we perceive the outside world-which in turn is composed of the five elemental qualities of earth, water, fire, wind and space”.
Whenever we are amidst natural surroundings, conspicuously or subtly, these elements are around us at all times in some form or the other. How they work their magic on us is understood when one analyses that these very elements have qualities of our mind consciousness, the five sense consciousnesses and critical body functions.
Earth: The ability of our mind to serve as the platform or ground of all our experiences, is represented by the quality of the earth element. The physiological system (muscle and bone) of our body is controlled by this element. At death, while the earth element dissolves, it is felt internally by a sinking feeling by the dying person, as though pulled into a deep cave underground. Externally it is represented by heaviness, tiredness and loss of strength of the body. The earth element controls our sense of smell (olfactory senses). It is no wonder that almost all of us love the smell of earth, especially wet earth. Out of sheer affinity, as children, few of us may have even eaten wet mud!
Water: The continuity and adaptability quality of the mind finds in it the same quality as that of water. Our blood circulation and other fluid systems in the body are controlled by this element. In the process of dying, this is represented by water running from the nose and mouth as this element begins to dissolve. Internally the feeling is of parched lips, mouth and throat as the dying person is often offered water. The sense of taste is controlled by the water element.
Fire: The quality of our mind’s clarity and ability to perceive has the same quality as that of the fire element. Our body’s thermal system that regulates body temperature is controlled by this element. During the process of passing away, as the fire element dissolves, the person begins to feel cold and asks to be covered. The breath feels cold. When touched, the body feels cold externally too. The sense of vision is controlled by this element. No wonder people say, that looks can sometimes be fiery hot or cold!
Wind: The quality of our constantly moving mind is comparable to the wind or air element which too is never still. The respiratory system is controlled by the this element. While alive, it is the breath that connects our body to the mind and mind to the consciousness. Breathing stabilizes the mind and its surging emotions. During the dying process, as this element dissolves, the external signs are that of gasping for in-breath and heavy exhalation. Internally the dying person can feel being deflated and being swept away in a great storm as the wind runs out of the body. The sense of touch is controlled by the wind element.
Space: The vast emptiness nature of mind has the quality of the space element which is present but is formless and limitless. The hearing system of the body is controlled by this element. During the process of dying when this element is dissolving the hearing begins to fail and we hear sounds but cannot make out the words. Externally, the sign of peace or bliss can be seen on the face of the person as delusions begin to dissolve. The sense of balance too is controlled by this element. We know that behind the ear drum is the vacuum space for assisting us in maintaining our body balance and hearing. Within us, void or space fills up other cavities too.
As such, an intimate relation exists between the five elements, the qualities of our mind and five sense consciousnesses, inextricable from one another. So, remember to take such breaks regularly, even if it means a quiet walk each day in the neighbourhood garden, to stay refreshed, rejuvenated happy and healthy. Also, be in prayer to these elements for them to be in equilibrium within us. As these simple things are entirely in our hands, so is well-being.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Back from Sabbatical!
Dear friends:
It was that time of the year when the urge to take a break from the humdrum or urban living got too significant to be overlooked. This year saw me travel to the Buddhist monasteries of South Karnataka.
Bylakuppe, about 100kms from Mysore, is the larget settlement of Tibetans outside TIbet. It is also the place where two large universities of Namdroling ( Nyingma sect) and Sera Jey (Gelug sect)that impart Buddhist teachings of the highest order and purity are located. About 1000 lamas, young & very young, train here for monkhood at each of these locations. My teacher too resides here and is a post-graduate in Buddhist Philosophy from one of these hallowed institutions.
This time of the year was special. HH the 14th Dalai Lama was expected here between 31st Aug and 3rd Sep. Not only was the atmosphere festive, the thousands of monks who learn here worked alongside lay Tibetans, making special arrangements to welcome HH with a variety of sessions for all to attend. Dignitaries from atleast 15 countries were present too, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebrations of democracy by Tibetans in exile.
Staying with the monks for 2 weeks in the utmost serene, awareness filled and home-hearted surroundings alongside learning, practicing and receiving teachings from Tengyur Rinpoche and other senior monks was truly special.
Also, what was of great interest was the chat up with a group of western monks! These young men were once laity, and it was insightful to know what triggered their decision, what their experience has been and what message they have for the world. Hopefully, a leading national daily will carry it soon...
Some snap shots for you...Peace & prayers for all beings to benefit.
Recommended book: What makes you not a Buddhist - Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Journeying Down the River of Life - Choice is Yours! (The Speaking Tree, 15.07.'10)
Dedicated to my friends, young men and women out there, who are at the threshold of launching their careers:
Two young girls, Laukika and Samatha, set of on an adventure. Both of them had completed their formal education and before venturing into their respective samsaric enterprises, they thought of taking a break to contemplate life. And thus was born this hedonistic idea of journeying down the river.
Having reached the river head, Laukika was so overwhelmed with its sensational speed, arousing energy and her own effervescent enthusiasm that she said to her friend “Hey! Samatha, i need to get a first hand experience of the river! It beckons me. I’m going to jump into it and be carried along with its great energies. Meet you later”. So saying, she took the plunge, without waiting for her friend to respond.
So the river carried her along. Laukika, the young girl that she was, in search of all that life had to offer her, enjoyed her initial tumbling, rolling, buoying, gushing, swaying and all kinds of adventure. At times the river frightened Laukika too, by sweeping her under the currents that whipped up. But she dismissed them as something she ought to get used to. By now the girl was so into the full flow of the river. Unknowing to her, the currents carried her further & deep to a point from where even sighting the shore was difficult. But Laukika was unfazed. She was euphoric and wanted more of the adventure, you see. Forever engrossed in steadying herself from the speed of her journey, she managed mere fleeting glimpses of the beauty around her. Now, the waves got bigger, the waters deeper, the river widened, the gushing became so forceful that she was thrown about, knocked about on the rocks all over, water and sand filled her nostrils and mouth, she was being bruised by the gravel and creatures in the river. The girl panicked. She had had enough; she thought and wanted to come out to safer shores. “Help me to the shore, someone”, she cried agonizingly. No one heard. Those who did hear her, couldn’t do much, as they were in the same dilemma themselves. There wasn’t an easy way out of the situation.
In the meanwhile, Samatha, had already set off on foot. “I choose to walk down the river bank instead. I might be able to enjoy the vistas better this way”, she had pondered to herself before taking off.
Many years had passed. The two friends met again. They hugged each other tight. Unimaginable joy blossomed on their faces from this unexpected yet fond reunion. And they shared experiences from their journeys.
Laukika, wearing a shorn look on her face, a bruised body, tears rolling down from her hollowed eyes onto her wrinkled cheeks, narrated all she had to say. Of course, she did have her share of fun, she admitted, but the journey had tired her out. Moreover she felt vacant inside. There was so much she wanted to do, she said, but the sheer speed of her journey dint permit her to take those tiny liberties.
She was now eager to hear from her dear friend.
Samatha spoke: “I too thought for long after you left me, Laukika. There was a moment i was tempted to follow you. The river did look enticing. But then, there was no hurry either. So i chose to walk down the river instead. The scenic offerings around the river were spell-binding. Those beautiful moments of peace were so soothing. I marvelled at the sunrise & sunsets so different each day, the envelope of the open blue sky so re-assuring, the stars at night that i tried to count but always lost count of, i pranced and played with the countless birds and butterflies that filled the forest, i stopped to smell the forest and her flowerings, i waited occasionally with bated breath to see the handsome kingfisher dive into the waters for a quick meal, the seagulls that flew over my head playfully seemed to taunt my lazy walk. There were times when i wanted to sense what the river felt like and i would plunge into it, frolic in the waters, get the bubbles to ease my aches then dry myself on the warm rocks on the bank, read a book and resume my journey. The occasional bear that came down to the river for a drink dint bother me so long as i kept away from him and he sensed no danger from me. The local tribes who collected firewood and fruits from the forest would invite me to their humble homes. I would play with their children and share with them simple tips on improving their health through hygiene, then bid them goodbye. The journey has been incredible, full of myriad experiences…you could even say, a journey of imagination!”
“And you know Laukika, the best part of it is that i feel happy to have done it this way. My way and at my pace. I feel fulfilled”.
The two friends sat in silence. Each contemplating in what manner she had been able to carve out a holistic human life.
For my dear young readers who will soon set out to embark on their very own individual journeys, think of what you want from this precious human life. Fleeting Pleasures or Sustaining Happiness.
(Index: Laukik: Pleasure, Samatha: Equanimity...leads to a happy mind state)
Girish Deshpande
(The author is a Dharma practitioner based in Pune)
Two young girls, Laukika and Samatha, set of on an adventure. Both of them had completed their formal education and before venturing into their respective samsaric enterprises, they thought of taking a break to contemplate life. And thus was born this hedonistic idea of journeying down the river.
Having reached the river head, Laukika was so overwhelmed with its sensational speed, arousing energy and her own effervescent enthusiasm that she said to her friend “Hey! Samatha, i need to get a first hand experience of the river! It beckons me. I’m going to jump into it and be carried along with its great energies. Meet you later”. So saying, she took the plunge, without waiting for her friend to respond.
So the river carried her along. Laukika, the young girl that she was, in search of all that life had to offer her, enjoyed her initial tumbling, rolling, buoying, gushing, swaying and all kinds of adventure. At times the river frightened Laukika too, by sweeping her under the currents that whipped up. But she dismissed them as something she ought to get used to. By now the girl was so into the full flow of the river. Unknowing to her, the currents carried her further & deep to a point from where even sighting the shore was difficult. But Laukika was unfazed. She was euphoric and wanted more of the adventure, you see. Forever engrossed in steadying herself from the speed of her journey, she managed mere fleeting glimpses of the beauty around her. Now, the waves got bigger, the waters deeper, the river widened, the gushing became so forceful that she was thrown about, knocked about on the rocks all over, water and sand filled her nostrils and mouth, she was being bruised by the gravel and creatures in the river. The girl panicked. She had had enough; she thought and wanted to come out to safer shores. “Help me to the shore, someone”, she cried agonizingly. No one heard. Those who did hear her, couldn’t do much, as they were in the same dilemma themselves. There wasn’t an easy way out of the situation.
In the meanwhile, Samatha, had already set off on foot. “I choose to walk down the river bank instead. I might be able to enjoy the vistas better this way”, she had pondered to herself before taking off.
Many years had passed. The two friends met again. They hugged each other tight. Unimaginable joy blossomed on their faces from this unexpected yet fond reunion. And they shared experiences from their journeys.
Laukika, wearing a shorn look on her face, a bruised body, tears rolling down from her hollowed eyes onto her wrinkled cheeks, narrated all she had to say. Of course, she did have her share of fun, she admitted, but the journey had tired her out. Moreover she felt vacant inside. There was so much she wanted to do, she said, but the sheer speed of her journey dint permit her to take those tiny liberties.
She was now eager to hear from her dear friend.
Samatha spoke: “I too thought for long after you left me, Laukika. There was a moment i was tempted to follow you. The river did look enticing. But then, there was no hurry either. So i chose to walk down the river instead. The scenic offerings around the river were spell-binding. Those beautiful moments of peace were so soothing. I marvelled at the sunrise & sunsets so different each day, the envelope of the open blue sky so re-assuring, the stars at night that i tried to count but always lost count of, i pranced and played with the countless birds and butterflies that filled the forest, i stopped to smell the forest and her flowerings, i waited occasionally with bated breath to see the handsome kingfisher dive into the waters for a quick meal, the seagulls that flew over my head playfully seemed to taunt my lazy walk. There were times when i wanted to sense what the river felt like and i would plunge into it, frolic in the waters, get the bubbles to ease my aches then dry myself on the warm rocks on the bank, read a book and resume my journey. The occasional bear that came down to the river for a drink dint bother me so long as i kept away from him and he sensed no danger from me. The local tribes who collected firewood and fruits from the forest would invite me to their humble homes. I would play with their children and share with them simple tips on improving their health through hygiene, then bid them goodbye. The journey has been incredible, full of myriad experiences…you could even say, a journey of imagination!”
“And you know Laukika, the best part of it is that i feel happy to have done it this way. My way and at my pace. I feel fulfilled”.
The two friends sat in silence. Each contemplating in what manner she had been able to carve out a holistic human life.
For my dear young readers who will soon set out to embark on their very own individual journeys, think of what you want from this precious human life. Fleeting Pleasures or Sustaining Happiness.
(Index: Laukik: Pleasure, Samatha: Equanimity...leads to a happy mind state)
Girish Deshpande
(The author is a Dharma practitioner based in Pune)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
CHANGE THE REFERENCE POINT OF THE BENEFICIARY!, Speaking Tree, 10th Aug 2010
CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE WILLINGLY:
Taking to spiritual development is today seen as a way to stress busting and thus bettering the quality of our lives. This seems to be more relevant in urban living where lifestyle, desires and aspirations is playing havoc in the minds of people. People are getting increasingly edgy, short fused and social grace is taking a beating.
For those who are embarking on this path to tame the mind, to get more calm and composed and therefore lead happy lives, here is a vital tip:
The first mistake that people make is when they embark on this path with an incorrect reference point of beneficiary. Let me explain.
There was a sorcerer in a town in Tibet who used to torment the people with his black magic. Far and wide travelled his stories of how he could bring down hail and destroy villages with his powers. He would rob and kill people at will. He gained great respect out of sheer fear and he revelled in this notorious respect. He would be delighted with his sinister achievements. After few years, a great personal tragedy shook him and he decided he would practice this sorcery no more. In the high mountains lived a lama of repute. He had heard of the deeds of this black magician and was overwhelmed with the suffering the people had to undergo under his ill-used powers. The sorcerer approached the lama and said to him: “Master, I have been a bad man all thee years. I need to redeem myself. Please help me.” The lama suggested: Very well, now that you wish to change, you need to change your attitude first! Just as you did all the evil things to people causing them great suffering, thereby deriving great pleasure from it, you are to exactly reverse the process!” "What do you say, master? I dont understand”, the befuddled sorcerer asked. The lama continued “Well, just as you did harm to others and derived pleasure, now do good to people and derive happiness. Its so simple.” The sorcerer got the message and went on to become one of the greatest masters of our time.
The point here is very simple. We always look at the benefit with this viewpoint: “How will i derive benefit out of my practices and actions”. The shift of this attitude should be in cultivating a mind wherein how others can derive benefit from my practices and actions. The moment shift of the reference point of the true recipient of the beneficiary is made, the pathway is yours for gainful merit. Caution must be exercised to do so with total and happy ‘release’. If we have any restrain within us in doing so, such action will gain us negative karma and push us into lower realm re-births. This is an attitudinal shift which only the person can himself/herself do. The teacher can only suggest, but the work is to be done by the pupil. The awakening of special motivation must arise from within.
Merely, in understanding our suffering and giving us a tip so simple yet profound, the teacher becomes the compassionate one. We cannot expect him/her to physically lift us to better life or out of suffering of afflicted emotions or even rebirth on higher realm. He can only show us the direction. Experiences, we must gain on our own.
Such a shift of attitude, shift of the point of reference of the true beneficiary of actions undertaken, is necessary for all those in public life too. Politicians, Government officials, Social workers for example. Results will be magical, enormous, fast and of great accumulating merit.
Summarizing everything into a single verse by the greatest teacher of Mahayana and Indian scholar, Shantideva:
All the joy the world contains
Has come through wishing happiness for others,
All the misery the world contains
Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself.
Tathagatha realization to you!
['Tathagatha' refers to one who has trod the path to full awakening and so reached the end of suffering and released from life-death cycle. The implication is that the path is open to all who would follow it. In later Mahayana Buddhism, Tathagatha came to mean the essential buddha nature found in every sentient being.]
Taking to spiritual development is today seen as a way to stress busting and thus bettering the quality of our lives. This seems to be more relevant in urban living where lifestyle, desires and aspirations is playing havoc in the minds of people. People are getting increasingly edgy, short fused and social grace is taking a beating.
For those who are embarking on this path to tame the mind, to get more calm and composed and therefore lead happy lives, here is a vital tip:
The first mistake that people make is when they embark on this path with an incorrect reference point of beneficiary. Let me explain.
There was a sorcerer in a town in Tibet who used to torment the people with his black magic. Far and wide travelled his stories of how he could bring down hail and destroy villages with his powers. He would rob and kill people at will. He gained great respect out of sheer fear and he revelled in this notorious respect. He would be delighted with his sinister achievements. After few years, a great personal tragedy shook him and he decided he would practice this sorcery no more. In the high mountains lived a lama of repute. He had heard of the deeds of this black magician and was overwhelmed with the suffering the people had to undergo under his ill-used powers. The sorcerer approached the lama and said to him: “Master, I have been a bad man all thee years. I need to redeem myself. Please help me.” The lama suggested: Very well, now that you wish to change, you need to change your attitude first! Just as you did all the evil things to people causing them great suffering, thereby deriving great pleasure from it, you are to exactly reverse the process!” "What do you say, master? I dont understand”, the befuddled sorcerer asked. The lama continued “Well, just as you did harm to others and derived pleasure, now do good to people and derive happiness. Its so simple.” The sorcerer got the message and went on to become one of the greatest masters of our time.
The point here is very simple. We always look at the benefit with this viewpoint: “How will i derive benefit out of my practices and actions”. The shift of this attitude should be in cultivating a mind wherein how others can derive benefit from my practices and actions. The moment shift of the reference point of the true recipient of the beneficiary is made, the pathway is yours for gainful merit. Caution must be exercised to do so with total and happy ‘release’. If we have any restrain within us in doing so, such action will gain us negative karma and push us into lower realm re-births. This is an attitudinal shift which only the person can himself/herself do. The teacher can only suggest, but the work is to be done by the pupil. The awakening of special motivation must arise from within.
Merely, in understanding our suffering and giving us a tip so simple yet profound, the teacher becomes the compassionate one. We cannot expect him/her to physically lift us to better life or out of suffering of afflicted emotions or even rebirth on higher realm. He can only show us the direction. Experiences, we must gain on our own.
Such a shift of attitude, shift of the point of reference of the true beneficiary of actions undertaken, is necessary for all those in public life too. Politicians, Government officials, Social workers for example. Results will be magical, enormous, fast and of great accumulating merit.
Summarizing everything into a single verse by the greatest teacher of Mahayana and Indian scholar, Shantideva:
All the joy the world contains
Has come through wishing happiness for others,
All the misery the world contains
Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself.
Tathagatha realization to you!
['Tathagatha' refers to one who has trod the path to full awakening and so reached the end of suffering and released from life-death cycle. The implication is that the path is open to all who would follow it. In later Mahayana Buddhism, Tathagatha came to mean the essential buddha nature found in every sentient being.]
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
INTOXICATION AND THE MIND, Speaking Tree Paper, 5th Dec 2010
The Buddha laid down five guidelines for laity who wished to follow the Dharma.
These were:
1. Avoid killing
2. Avoid lying
3. Avoid sexual mis-conduct (sex outside of marriage, un-natural sex etc)
4. Avoid stealing
5. Avoid intoxication
While all the five are obvious for a peaceful and happy life, this piece in particular delves into the reasons of the issues related to intoxication.
In modern lives where stress is high, social life vibrant, the desire to ‘unwind’ over a glass of wine or one’s favourite tipple, is an accepted norm. Personally i find nothing wrong in this although i do not wish to advocate it. However, if we are mindful of what the Buddha must have actually cautioned us against, these experiences will be better understood and therefore better enjoyed.
We have seen through previous columns that we all have a buddha mind in us. Every sentient being has it. This mind is always present, always clear, always perfect and has always been with us. Infact the natural expression of this omnipresent and omniperfect mind is clarity. The issues arise when this mind is clouded by delusions, defilements, aggressive, and non-virtuous thoughts arising typically out of the five poisons (pride, ignorance, greed jealousy and anger). With this karmic mind - that we out of ignorance identify as and presume to be the ‘base mind’ - we tend to carry out our actions of body, speech and mind, landing us into all sorts of suffering.
Let us for a moment presume that we have made some progress on the path and have actually been able to see, in our meditative sessions, glimpses of our base mind differentiating it from the karmic mind. We ‘see’ a distinct clarity between the base mind and the afflicted mind.
Here is what intoxication does to this clear situation. As alcohol begins to enter our blood stream, it begins to bring in the confusion with it. Slowly as the intoxicant takes effect, the clarity of the base mind and the dullness of the karmic mind begin to get merged. The otherwise black-white starkness gives way to an increasing ‘grey area’ expanse. As more intoxicant floods the blood stream, this state of confusion increases to finally becoming total. The confused mind is in no way able to identify thoughts, speech and action between virtuous and non-virtuous, ethical and unethical, noble and wretched, wise and foolish, friendly and hostile and so on. The ingested volume till such time the confusion sets in and become total, might vary from person to person, but it is inevitable.
So what should one do? I’m not recommending abstinence. Nobody stops you from exercising it either!
What we must necessarily do, when tippling, are two things:
1. Keep a close ‘watch’ on the goings on in the mind. If you sense the greying, one needs to be even more vigilant (than we are at other times) of what is being processed in the mind and therefore what is being churned out in the form of speech and action.
2. Stop indulging when we sense that the confusion is about to get out of ‘hand’. Give time for the levels of intoxicant to settle down.
This is particularly of use at social events. There are people we may have all seen in our lives who make such fools of themselves, that it becomes embarrassing for the accompanying spouse, friend or the host to take hold of the situation. At unfortunate times, the scene turns ugly and violent too. How many times have we heard of the same person who behaved inappropriately the previous evening, to call up to apologize for his/her behaviour? All this only because, the confused mind has been restored from sloth to its true state of clarity.
Tibetan Buddhists say a short prayer before partaking any alcohol or intoxicant which essentially makes an offering of it to the presiding deities and buddhas, but more importantly appeals to them to keep the effects of the substance under the control of the body (digestability) and mind (not confusing it)!
So friends, if we continue to be mindful about ingestion of intoxicants, we will see that they can help us in some ways if they are used rather than bring us suffering by improper acts of body, speech and mind, with its abuse. Going further, if the regulars use this “intoxication meditation” to see what is actually happening to their minds, each and every time, they can easily give it up or remain way below confusion levels.
Cheers to life and living!
Girish Deshpande
(The author is a Pune based Dharma practitioner)
These were:
1. Avoid killing
2. Avoid lying
3. Avoid sexual mis-conduct (sex outside of marriage, un-natural sex etc)
4. Avoid stealing
5. Avoid intoxication
While all the five are obvious for a peaceful and happy life, this piece in particular delves into the reasons of the issues related to intoxication.
In modern lives where stress is high, social life vibrant, the desire to ‘unwind’ over a glass of wine or one’s favourite tipple, is an accepted norm. Personally i find nothing wrong in this although i do not wish to advocate it. However, if we are mindful of what the Buddha must have actually cautioned us against, these experiences will be better understood and therefore better enjoyed.
We have seen through previous columns that we all have a buddha mind in us. Every sentient being has it. This mind is always present, always clear, always perfect and has always been with us. Infact the natural expression of this omnipresent and omniperfect mind is clarity. The issues arise when this mind is clouded by delusions, defilements, aggressive, and non-virtuous thoughts arising typically out of the five poisons (pride, ignorance, greed jealousy and anger). With this karmic mind - that we out of ignorance identify as and presume to be the ‘base mind’ - we tend to carry out our actions of body, speech and mind, landing us into all sorts of suffering.
Let us for a moment presume that we have made some progress on the path and have actually been able to see, in our meditative sessions, glimpses of our base mind differentiating it from the karmic mind. We ‘see’ a distinct clarity between the base mind and the afflicted mind.
Here is what intoxication does to this clear situation. As alcohol begins to enter our blood stream, it begins to bring in the confusion with it. Slowly as the intoxicant takes effect, the clarity of the base mind and the dullness of the karmic mind begin to get merged. The otherwise black-white starkness gives way to an increasing ‘grey area’ expanse. As more intoxicant floods the blood stream, this state of confusion increases to finally becoming total. The confused mind is in no way able to identify thoughts, speech and action between virtuous and non-virtuous, ethical and unethical, noble and wretched, wise and foolish, friendly and hostile and so on. The ingested volume till such time the confusion sets in and become total, might vary from person to person, but it is inevitable.
So what should one do? I’m not recommending abstinence. Nobody stops you from exercising it either!
What we must necessarily do, when tippling, are two things:
1. Keep a close ‘watch’ on the goings on in the mind. If you sense the greying, one needs to be even more vigilant (than we are at other times) of what is being processed in the mind and therefore what is being churned out in the form of speech and action.
2. Stop indulging when we sense that the confusion is about to get out of ‘hand’. Give time for the levels of intoxicant to settle down.
This is particularly of use at social events. There are people we may have all seen in our lives who make such fools of themselves, that it becomes embarrassing for the accompanying spouse, friend or the host to take hold of the situation. At unfortunate times, the scene turns ugly and violent too. How many times have we heard of the same person who behaved inappropriately the previous evening, to call up to apologize for his/her behaviour? All this only because, the confused mind has been restored from sloth to its true state of clarity.
Tibetan Buddhists say a short prayer before partaking any alcohol or intoxicant which essentially makes an offering of it to the presiding deities and buddhas, but more importantly appeals to them to keep the effects of the substance under the control of the body (digestability) and mind (not confusing it)!
So friends, if we continue to be mindful about ingestion of intoxicants, we will see that they can help us in some ways if they are used rather than bring us suffering by improper acts of body, speech and mind, with its abuse. Going further, if the regulars use this “intoxication meditation” to see what is actually happening to their minds, each and every time, they can easily give it up or remain way below confusion levels.
Cheers to life and living!
Girish Deshpande
(The author is a Pune based Dharma practitioner)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)