Awakening the Buddha Within _ Eight Steps to Enlightenment - Lama Surya Das [74]
“Reflect on the Kindness of Everyone You Meet”
We give thanks to the many beings who helped bring us this food.
—ZEN MEALTIME PRAYER
Those of you who went to summer camp may remember the lyrics of a camp song “Be kind to your web-footed friends, for a duck may be somebody’s mother.” Tibetans say that not only is that duck somebody’s mother, it may have been your mother. It might have been your father, brother, cousin, or best friend, or anyone with whom you have unfinished karma to work out. According to traditional belief, we have all been cycled and recycled through innumerable forms in an inconceivable number of lifetimes—not unlike old wine in new, recyclable bottles. Everyone has been kind and helpful to you in some past life, because everyone you meet has been a loving relative; they should be treated accordingly.
If you are uncomfortable with this traditional rebirth teaching, think of it this way: Everyone you meet, both the wise and the foolish, has something to teach you. Everyone and everything can be celebrated and appreciated, each in its own way. Everyone can learn from your kindness, and everyone deserves your kindness. This is a very important teaching in Tibetan Buddhism. It’s also a commonsense approach to life: Learn from all, judge no one, be kind to all, and say thank you.
“All Activities Should Be Done with One Intention”
Let precious bodhicitta be your organizing principle. Help, and do not harm others. Cultivate these remembrances in everything you do: be gentle, be kind, be thoughtful, be caring, be compassionate, be loving, be fair, be reasonable, be generous to everyone—including yourself.
It really is possible to love everyone—even if you don’t always like everyone. I had to personally learn this lesson when for several years I was privileged to wear a monk’s robe and have a shaved head in cloistered retreats. At first it felt to me as though I was in a no-exit, arranged marriage with an international group of strangers. But eventually one couldn’t escape the fact that we all pretty much wanted and needed the same things—that we’re all on the same team, the same side on the spiritual battlefield.
I’ve also learned that you don’t always get to pick the people with whom you travel the journey. You might sometimes think you do, but don’t be deceived. And the corollary of that—and this was my real lesson—is that you start to realize that you can love even the people you don’t like and must love and help everybody.
“All Teachings Are in Agreement”
The original root text translates this as “All Dharmas agree at one point.” This slogan addresses the issues of ego. Whatever form of Buddhist spirituality you are studying, they are all in accord: Ego, self-cherishing, and clinging stand between you and liberation. Step out of the hut of narrow egotism for a moment and enjoy the mansion of boundless freedom and ease. Truths are many, but truth is one. There are many teachings, but only one core: the vital throbbing heart of bodhicitta. Everyone wants and needs the same things. With all the beings you encounter, try momentarily to step away from your self-centered concerns and reflect on what they too are experiencing. This practice can be very rewarding.
“Always Reflect on What Provokes Difficulties
in Your Life”
What attracts you? What repels you? What pushes your buttons? Does the slightest bit of criticism wipe you out? Are you easily manipulated by flattery? Do you sexualize every situation? Are you struggling against anger? Reflecting on what pushes your buttons helps you go deeper toward developing equanimity and spiritual detachment.
Take out a notebook, and starting with the Five Hindrances as outlined by the Buddha, try to see how these hindrances try to create obstacles to your spiritual development.
“Don’t Transfer the Bull’s Load to the Cow”
Harry Truman said, “The buck stops here.” People appreciated his