In the beginning there was light

in the beginning

I began this Blog almost three years ago with the simple idea of sharing my experiences and observations along life’s path. This path of course being one that has a foundation based in the teachings of the Buddha.
In the beginning, most of what I wrote about was as an observer, and conveying the experiences and lessons I was learning. As time went on, I became more of a teacher, sharing Pali words, suttas, and dhamma lessons. This then evolved into a realization that I was actually much more of the student than the teacher. Not only due to the realization that I needed to be humble, but the actual truth of my minimal understanding at a deeper level.
In my most recent most recent writings, I think that I have returned more to the observer state but with a smattering of teacher and student thrown in for good measure.
But today has offered me a very new revelation that I wish to share with you.

When I began writing, the simple idea of being well, happy and peaceful really summed it up. These three simple words offered compassion, acceptance, goodwill and happiness. And I think, like most people, I just wanted to live a happy life. There was no need to make it more complicated than that.
And I still see that this is a wonderful path for all of us, and there is no teachings from the Buddha which dictate we do anymore than that.
But the Buddha did however say that there are two kinds of people. Those who can hear the dhamma and those who cannot. And I do not think for one minute that one is better or superior than the other. There is absolutely nothing wrong with simply being happy and peaceful. None of us need to dig deep into the Tripitaka to have a good life, but it is however available for those of us who wish to investigate it.

When I think about it, why would anyone be interested in Buddhism if it was promoting suffering right?
But when you offer someone the idea of being well and happy and at peace, it becomes much more seductive. This concept has of course become big business for a great many people in the United States and abroad. And while this may not be my “cup of tea”, I have no aversion to it either. Much of it may be Buddhism “Lite”, or some version of what is also now being coined as “McMindfulness”. It kind of makes sense, that in this fast-paced, fast food society, people want a drive-thru type solution to achieving happiness.

I suppose the real point that I am trying to make, is that it’s all good. Whether you meditate daily, weekly or never. Whether you are Buddhist, Christian, Jewish or Islamic, your religious affiliation makes no difference at all. The truth is that we are all living and feeling beings, each with not only a uniqueness but also at very different places in our journey. And any practice that helps you develop loving kindness, compassion, acceptance, goodwill and generosity, is certainly wholesome and beneficial to yourself and others.
The lesson for me is in gaining a deeper understanding of this wide variety of readers here, and the disparity that actually connects each of us to one another. This is the blossoming of life, if only I open myself to seeing it.