Hum, Babe

Impermanence, suffering and non-self are the three characteristics of our lives that are beyond our understanding. These are far beyond the counter-intuitive, they defy us by their very nature. These are the three thing that most of us want the least …we certainly want “good” to abide not disappear and reappear like a weak radio signal. We want as little suffering as possible and most of us wish to build and empower our egos. We find transcending or minimizing ourselves inherently abhorrent. Our inability to accept the three facts of life is a good measure of how far we are from living life on life’s terms.

In our effort to accommodate the big three, we are subject to some odd contortions and distortions arise. We lose our selves in cults and bury our fears of impermanence in greed and -perhaps the most maladaptive- we become ascetics or profligate. Understanding is the hardest thing to find.

I’m beginning to believe the what we don’t do, say, think, profess and assert as truth may give us a bit of peace, a safe place to encounter ourselves. I don’t know but not “knowing ” is all part of the deal. Humility may be the path out of the cul de sac of endless striving. Samanatha is the Buddhist word for calm abiding. The old vision of the person as the mountain is instructive. The mountain calmly abides as the weather systems of loss, victory, bereavement – all of life’s situations – pass by. The mountain simply, abides.

I still strive of, course – as we all do. Forays into meditation, health regimens, therapy are all strivings to find peace while peace is already here. My new mantra is “don’t just do something, sit there.” Perhaps peace will drop into my alms bowl without my worrying about it.

I hope that the cacophony that is everywhere will morph into a low, soothing hum.

PS the next writing here will describe a trip to Africa that my wife and I took. My wife’s photos will get you through it even if the writing falls short.