I will always be
something of a selfish fool, but I can try to be better. Wisdom and compassion
are universal virtues that I've pursued through Zen Buddhism for the past three
years. Wisdom is discernment of the essential nature of reality and the
ultimate goal of existence. Compassion is the desire to remove harm and
suffering from others. Attaining wisdom and compassion requires effort, so I
try to meditate every day and to carry my koan, an unanswerable existential
question, with me through my daily life. I believe I'm on the right track with
Zen, but it's slow going and I'm also looking for shortcuts. That is, I'm searching
for practical wisdom and compassion, perhaps not perfect or religiously satisfying,
but bits that I can experience easily.
How can I
achieve practical wisdom? First, let's entertain the possibility that wisdom is
overrated. I've often been happy as a fool, and, looking around, lack of wisdom
doesn't always hinder material or political success. On the other hand, I've
suffered from anger, despair, meanness, and prejudice, which in hindsight were
unnecessary and stupid. I can experience lack of wisdom in my body: poor
posture, tightened breathing, and restricted vision. In the world, lack of wisdom
results in war, poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation. So, yes, we need
wisdom to avoid such afflictions. In search of vision and understanding in
daily life, I consulted an ancient text, the Boy Scout Handbook, and realized the pithiest summary of practical
wisdom I seek is the Scout motto, "Be prepared". Not necessarily as
in having a full pack ready to tromp into the woods, but rather to actively be
aware, to look for what needs to be done. So, in addition to my Zen koan, I've
tried to carry the Scout motto with me every day. Does it help? I've seen hints
of success in my behavior. I'm earlier to bed, drinking less, and tidier. Internally,
I find myself in a relaxed way attending more to my thoughts, my surroundings, and
the people in my life.
As for
compassion, I can occasionally be mean, yell at my wife, neglect my kids. As
with wisdom, it's clear from examining my shortcomings and from reading the
news that we all need more compassion. As with wisdom, I'd like a shortcut
while I work towards enlightenment. I want to be more sympathetic and
empathetic, and to help more often. Again referring to the venerable Scout
Handbook, the answer is "Do a good turn daily". I'm helpful in
various ways to friends and family, but a good turn involves aid above and
beyond what's expected of you. Does it help? Last week I picked up dog poop not
from my dogs. I helped a stranger on the bus who was looking for directions to
his destination.
I'm getting there
in my quest for wisdom and compassion. I do wonder sometimes if these shortcuts
distract from the religious aims. So far, however, they seem effective and
complementary to Buddhist practice.
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