According to the Buddha the world (loka) is subject to disintegration (S. iv. 52). Moreover, this same world, according to the Buddha, is said to be empty, empty as regards the self and what belongs to the self (S. iv. 54). It should be obvious, then, that as far as my practice is concerned, I shouldn’t identify with this empty world or, eye-consciousness and things cognizable with the eye—or for that matter, the ear or thought-consciousness (mano-vijñâna). These things, in other words, are not my self although I am connected with them.
Based on the aforementioned, contrary to what the Buddha says, most of us act as if the world were not at all subject to disintegration. As a matter of fact, we look at the world’s many forms—not as being empty—but as being most real and vital. As a result of this, the lives we live and the dreams to which we aspire reinforce the idea of a world which is not subject to disintegration. This belief, if we can call it that, goes against Buddhism. It keeps us from seeing the world the way it really is.
Let’s not forget, that a primary part of Buddhism is not about loving this world but about learning to recognize it for what it is. But not everyone wants to see the world as it is—certainly not as being subject to disintegration (lujjati). Most, I assume, would rather see the world as something else in which neither impermanence nor suffering exist in it.
Yes, of course, it would be nice if the world were not subject to disintegration. It would be nice, too, if we didn’t die and could live forever. But as we soon learn as we grow older life can be like a minefield. When tragedy strikes, only then to we recall the Buddha’s words and take heed.
But the Buddha’s message is not entirely negative. It is more of a warning. The Buddha is not a true pessimist, in other words. There is optimism in his message because what we fundamentally are, at the deepest level of our being, is beyond the powers of this world to affect us including even death. Our only problem is that we don’t take the words of the Buddha seriously enough to pursue the positive part of Buddhism; to actually learn to engage with the immortal (amrita) side of our being. We are still too much in love with this world while being less than enthusiastic about the positive side of the Buddha’s teaching.
Yes, seeing things as they are; for example, a beautiful young woman has a crush on me. Usually this does not happen. But rather than pursue a relationship, it is nice simply to enjoy her smile, talk a bit to her, and just enjoy the moment without seeking more with her--more would certainly lead to her disillusionment and sufferings of all kinds. Better to just show compassion to the beings that are already here, and suffering, than pursue relationships that will create more karma, more beings, and more suffering. Is this a rejection of life or just a rejection of life's suffering?
Posted by: Frank | February 11, 2010 at 07:21 PM