|
Moral self-discipline
counteracts our habits for wrongdoing.
Meditative concentration counteracts the
tendency of our minds to wander and have
scattered thoughts. Wisdom counteracts ignorance,
our wrong views and knowledge, and our lack of
correct knowledge.
We
begin with moral self-discipline, with training.
On a basic level, we abstain from killing; from
stealing; from sexual, or sensual, misconduct;
from lying; and from the taking of intoxicants.
On a broader basis, we behave in a moral and
ethical way in everything we do.
By not killing, we will revere all life, and
have compassion and respect not just for other
people but also for animals, insects, plants,
and the earth which supports us. By our very
existence, we are taking lives. As we walk, we
step on insects. To produce the food we eat and
the water we drink, millions of other animal and
microbiological lives are destroyed. We cannot
stop eating or drinking water, but we can make
certain we do not waste anything. Understanding
our impact on others, we can use what we need,
but no more than that.
Not killing also has a more subtle aspect: We
should not kill the seeds of goodness in others
or harm another emotionally. While our thoughts
and actions can be damaging to others, it is our
speech that all too easily commits this offense.
Our careless, sarcastic, or angry words can
deeply wound a child, a loved one, a friend. We
need to use our speech wisely and speak from the
heart that wishes to help others.
By not stealing, we will respect the property of
others and do not take or use anything without
permission of the owner. This seems simple
enough, but this training also means that we do
not take that book which is lying unclaimed in a
restaurant. Neither do we keep the extra dollar
that the clerk mistakenly gave to us nor do we
take things from where we work for personal
use.
By not committing sexual, or sensual,
misconduct, we do not indulge in sensual
pleasures, understanding that to do so not only
increases our attachments and cravings, but our
suffering as well.
By not lying, we speak truthfully, understanding
the power that our words can have. We choose our
words wisely realizing that great harm can
result from ill-considered, untruthful speech.
By not taking intoxicants, we do not take
substances that affect our ability to think and
behave clearly at all times, and that harm our
bodies. Remaining clear-headed helps us to not
harm others or ourselves.
Next is meditative concentration. In meditative
concentration, we focus our attention on
whatever we choose. There are no distractions or
worries, no doubts or drowsiness, no
discriminations or attachments: We remain
unaffected by our environment and maintain a
calm, undisturbed mind. Initially, this state
will bring joy and a sense of ease. Eventually,
it will enable us to see things as they truly
are.
In everyday life, we can concentrate on whatever
we are doing. We will be aware of what is
happening around us but we will not be
distracted or disturbed by it. In daily life, we
can practice meditative concentration in
everything we do: whether we are working,
watering the garden, or driving our car. We
choose the object or activity of our attention
and then remain focused on it.
We also strive to attain meditative
concentration in our Buddhist practice. Some
methods require the guidance of a teacher, while
others can be practiced on our own. On our own,
we can concentrate on impermanence. This will
enable us to understand that nothing remains the
same, and that craving and ignorance keep
pulling us back into suffering. In the practice
of concentrating on no self, we will experience
that everything is inter-related. The practice
of concentrating on Nirvana will help us to find
this ultimate reality. No longer will we feel
that there is more to life than what we are
experiencing at any moment, and that we are
missing something more meaningful out there.
The practice of concentrating on a Buddha’s name
will help us to become one with perfect
compassion, perfect happiness, and perfect
peace. No longer will we feel that we need to
attain perfection on our own as we realize that
we are already one with that which is perfect.
Third is intuitive wisdom. Intuitive wisdom is
not an intellectual pursuit nor is it a measure
of academic intelligence. It insightful knowing
and understanding, and it arises from within us
when our minds are clear and calm. |
