One reason i admire Buddhism is it's concrete Do-It-Self approach to the Answer. Beholding the Ultimate Reality, the Light of Lights, the Truth of All There Is, Going Beyond the Beyond, is an experience that a man must have for himself, says the Buddha. No words can describe it, in fact, the human mind cannot even grasp it in the sense of learning it through shared knowledge. It must be experienced. Only then it can be known.
How to experience it? Ah, that is part of Buddha's recipe for rising above earthbound suffering, the Eight-fold Path. Right ethical views tied to Right behaviour can, through ones own efforts (guided of course by those further along the path), create a positive environment for this journey of body and mind towards en-lighten-ment. To become light.
When i was younger i was frustrated with the label 'sin': this and that was bad, don't do it, shame on you, going to hell, etc. But what then was i 'supposed to do'? Be good, was often the answer. I was supposed to know, and if i didn't, punishment was to aid me along the way. With very few role-models about, i felt it all rather vague. Buddhism is concrete.
And now i see the 10 Commandments in a new light.
The word 'commandment' or mitzvot (Hebrew) can mean a precept (a word often used in the English translations of the original Pali of Buddhism) or simply a good deed. If we are to come closer to God, then these laws that he breathed into existence for us might be willingly, purposefully and vigilantly undertaken for living a good life. We are to create goodness on Earth if we are to be happy. But how?
First: No other God. A divided house falls. If the mind is divided then ones actions are divided, sowing doubt. Can a servant have two masters? If Love is not our singular goal, then we shall never have the focus and effort required to reach the Truth, let alone train our mind and focus our actions on becoming 'a good person'.
Second, Third and Fourth: No graven images, not taking his name in vain, one day shall be holy. That which cannot be known with the limitations of the human mind, that which encompasses time and the universe cannot be set in stone: to attempt this is foolishness and can cause confusion, disagreements, anger and divisions between people. Likewise, that which is holy should remain revered: that what you love above all things cannot be cursed without adverse effects to ones own mind. It creates confusion. It creates separation. The spoken word is creation. It is a powerful tool. What the hands carve is brought into being, albeit temporarily. Carved images turn to dust, just as we do. Spoken words are born into the universe and can be overheard. One must work in this life for food, shelter, family and survival, yet these things are nothing if we have no life: remember to give thanks for our lives, through prayer, through meditation, through attention to our spiritual well-being. That which is holy to us is precious. Let us re-mind ourselves of this often, lest the world and suffering and confusion cause us to forget.
Fifth until the Tenth: Honouring parents, not killing, curbing lust, not stealing, not giving in to greed or envy or lies. This behaviour brings about division in ones own mind and between neighbours. Anger. Violence. Hatred. Peace of mind is lost. The ability to produce good acts suffers. And if ones behaviour is not in line with ones speech and thoughts, then perseverance on the Way shall be limited. The Truth might very well remain a dream.
Jesus said that the whole message can be pared down to love of God and love of neighbours. Loving God sets the field for planting. Loving ones fellow man sows that field.
In reaping the fruit of our labour, we shall know God. Instead of being whipped into shape, children should learn from example. Mindfulness of ones own behaviour is essential. Critical reflection of ones actions is necessary. Admitting failure is the only way one can move on and avoid repetition. And the knowledge that God is with us at all times every step of the way is itself the greatest encouragement i know. He is here. Now. The more i allow him into my daily life, through being an instrument of goodness (see the above 10 Precepts), the closer i am to my Answer, Oh gladsome Light.
Deo gratias.
How to experience it? Ah, that is part of Buddha's recipe for rising above earthbound suffering, the Eight-fold Path. Right ethical views tied to Right behaviour can, through ones own efforts (guided of course by those further along the path), create a positive environment for this journey of body and mind towards en-lighten-ment. To become light.
When i was younger i was frustrated with the label 'sin': this and that was bad, don't do it, shame on you, going to hell, etc. But what then was i 'supposed to do'? Be good, was often the answer. I was supposed to know, and if i didn't, punishment was to aid me along the way. With very few role-models about, i felt it all rather vague. Buddhism is concrete.
And now i see the 10 Commandments in a new light.
The word 'commandment' or mitzvot (Hebrew) can mean a precept (a word often used in the English translations of the original Pali of Buddhism) or simply a good deed. If we are to come closer to God, then these laws that he breathed into existence for us might be willingly, purposefully and vigilantly undertaken for living a good life. We are to create goodness on Earth if we are to be happy. But how?
First: No other God. A divided house falls. If the mind is divided then ones actions are divided, sowing doubt. Can a servant have two masters? If Love is not our singular goal, then we shall never have the focus and effort required to reach the Truth, let alone train our mind and focus our actions on becoming 'a good person'.
Second, Third and Fourth: No graven images, not taking his name in vain, one day shall be holy. That which cannot be known with the limitations of the human mind, that which encompasses time and the universe cannot be set in stone: to attempt this is foolishness and can cause confusion, disagreements, anger and divisions between people. Likewise, that which is holy should remain revered: that what you love above all things cannot be cursed without adverse effects to ones own mind. It creates confusion. It creates separation. The spoken word is creation. It is a powerful tool. What the hands carve is brought into being, albeit temporarily. Carved images turn to dust, just as we do. Spoken words are born into the universe and can be overheard. One must work in this life for food, shelter, family and survival, yet these things are nothing if we have no life: remember to give thanks for our lives, through prayer, through meditation, through attention to our spiritual well-being. That which is holy to us is precious. Let us re-mind ourselves of this often, lest the world and suffering and confusion cause us to forget.
Fifth until the Tenth: Honouring parents, not killing, curbing lust, not stealing, not giving in to greed or envy or lies. This behaviour brings about division in ones own mind and between neighbours. Anger. Violence. Hatred. Peace of mind is lost. The ability to produce good acts suffers. And if ones behaviour is not in line with ones speech and thoughts, then perseverance on the Way shall be limited. The Truth might very well remain a dream.
Jesus said that the whole message can be pared down to love of God and love of neighbours. Loving God sets the field for planting. Loving ones fellow man sows that field.
In reaping the fruit of our labour, we shall know God. Instead of being whipped into shape, children should learn from example. Mindfulness of ones own behaviour is essential. Critical reflection of ones actions is necessary. Admitting failure is the only way one can move on and avoid repetition. And the knowledge that God is with us at all times every step of the way is itself the greatest encouragement i know. He is here. Now. The more i allow him into my daily life, through being an instrument of goodness (see the above 10 Precepts), the closer i am to my Answer, Oh gladsome Light.
Deo gratias.
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