Busy Doing No-Thing

This is the final part of Mick Lewin's reflections

SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS ON THE PATH

Heightened states of peaceful mental/spiritual well-being are not the only consequence of treading a path of simplicity, for there is always the possibility of gaining profound insights along the way... Over the centuries, many revered Buddhist masters who have spent long periods engaged in solitude, silence and meditation have experienced and confirmed traditional insights that are laid down in ancient Buddhist texts. Here are two examples to consider:

• The first turning of the Dharma Wheel is the acknowledgement and recognition of the sanctity of all life, every sentient creature. That's why there is an imperative within Buddhism to become vegetarian. Life is seen as a wondrous gift, a sacred blessing that we must respect with both full reverence and dignity. To hurt another is seen as ultimately hurting ourselves. The teachings tell us that a life of sharing and supporting others as best we can is the right practice to adopt as it will reap a rich and meaningful harvest for everyone - including ourselves. We do not live in isolation, separated and divided from each other. On the contrary, we live in a common and mutual fellowship where all life should be dignified and sanctified.

• A fundamental belief within Buddhism is that of interconnectedness. Every living thing is accepted and celebrated as being connected in profound ways. You, me and the remotest rain forest tribe in South America, in all our richness and diversity, ultimately form one indivisible whole. On the surface, undeniable differences can be detected between us but underneath this superficiality lies a common, shared humanity. To recognise and acknowledge this oneness of the human family is, arguably, the greatest challenge we face in the 21st Century. Because if we do not come together collectively and responsibly to share a common global vision enabling us to tackle poverty, climate change, pollution, increasing industrialisation and urbanisation, then we run the risk of perishing.

THE PATH CONTINUES...

The demands for ever more technological innovation, fuelled by science that has an inbuilt attitude of 'must know, must know' comes from a deep-seated fear of not knowing, of not being comfortable and contented with the mysteries that surround us, of the uncertainties that impinge on our lives in this strange and magical place of our existence. Yet the attempts to control more of our world seems, paradoxically, to lead us to be further out of control; alienated and estranged from both ourselves and each other. If we are constantly engaged in busy-ness and pre-occupied with doing, doing, doing, we may well miss the call, the message that needs our urgent attention: time is short and we shouldn't waste it. Do we choose a spiritual path that will lead us to deeper insights enabling us to appreciate and celebrate the woundrous natural world that both encircles and sustains us ? Or do we continue to be subject to manipulation by the powerful forces in society that distract us with the damaging aspects of modernity ? The choice is ours. The choice is now...

"Stopping is a spiritual art. It is the refuge where we drink life in."
Sue Monk Kidd

Mick Lewin