It’s All A Matter Of Viewpoint

14 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: ,

Blind Men and an ElephantWe all see things in very different ways, mainly because we tend to be restricted by our own viewpoint.

The Buddha used a parable about six blind men and an elephant to explain how the differing views are come by. Each man has a different idea of what the elephant is, each being able to touch a different part of the animal.

This poem, by John Godfrey Saxe, sums up the scene and explains the moral behind the tale …

It was six men of Indostan
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind.

The First approach’d the Elephant,
And happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
“God bless me! but the Elephant
Is very like a wall!”

The Second, feeling of the tusk,
Cried, -“Ho! what have we here
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me ’tis mighty clear
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!”

The Third approached the animal,
And happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake:
“I see,” quoth he, “the Elephant
Is very like a snake!”

The Fourth reached out his eager hand,
And felt about the knee.
“What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain,” quoth he,
“‘Tis clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree!”

The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,
Said: “E’en the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
Deny the fact who can,
This marvel of an Elephant
Is very like a fan!”

The Sixth no sooner had begun
About the beast to grope,
Then, seizing on the swinging tail
That fell within his scope,
“I see,” quoth he, “the Elephant
Is very like a rope!”

And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!

MORAL.

So oft in theologic wars,
The disputants, I ween,
Rail on in utter ignorance
Of what each other mean,
And prate about an Elephant
Not one of them has seen!

John Godfrey Saxe ( 1816-1887)

Sounds Fishy?

11 Jan 2012 1 Comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

Scottish IndependenceAll this hullabaloo about Scottish independence is making me wonder about the motives behind the latest dialogue between the Prime Minister David Cameron and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond. The formation of the Scottish Parliament was always the first step on the road to independence, and I’m fine with that, it should be the Scottish people who decide.

The proposed referendum, now due to take place in 2014, appears to be turning into a tug o’ war between the politicians. The UK government look to be setting conditions aimed to result in a ‘No’ vote. Mr Salmond is trying to arrange things so that they turn out in his favour. But what about the Scottish people, how do they feel, are they even being told the whole story?

Listening to the news, it would appear that Scotland was ‘subsidised’ to the tune of £3000 per person last year. The SNP argue that North Sea Oil revenues should feed into the Scottish economy, the majority of remaining oil deposits lying below Scottish waters. But even with that adjustment, the subsidy would still have been around £2000 per person, so the figures don’t stack up. Scotland would also be liable to take on its share of the UK deficit.

When you also take into account the fact that Scotland would be forced to join the Euro if it were to become a member of the European Union, it is more than complicated, and less than rosy. My worry is that Mr Salmond is blinkered by his passion for independence, it has been his dearest wish for many years. I just hope that, should he get his way, he is prepared to shoulder the responsibility of his actions if it all goes wrong. A little more WCC and a little less Braveheart spirit needed here I think Mr Salmond.

Never Say Never

09 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

DeterminationSo many times, we have talked about the fact that we only lose when we decide we have lost. Having the courage, patience and determination to press on, even when all the signs are telling you to stop, to give in, to cut and run, can allow unexpected results to occur.

Remaining calm, collected, objective and compassionate, even when the circumstances may be urging you on in other directions, is a feature of our nature that requires time, patience and practice.

I don’t think it is simply a coincidence that practice, meaning repeating a task or skill to improve your proficiency, and Buddhist practice, use the same word. As Gary Player, the famous golfer once said of his game, ‘the more I practice, the luckier I get’. Luck has nothing to do with it, and he, and we, know it.

So if you find the odds stacked against you, get disheartened by the way events seem to be going, believe in yourself and your practice. You might be surprised by what actually happens. So apply for that job, write that email or make that phone call, what have you got to lose?

Not So Great Expectations

08 Jan 2012 2 Comments

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: ,

Sad-FaceWe all set expectations, of ourselves, of others and of the outcome of situations in our lives. So it is very easy to be disappointed when those expectations are not met. What you must remember, is that your happiness is in your own hands, so being unhappy when your hopes and expectations are dashed is your own decision.

For myself, I find that taking some quiet time to examine why I am disappointed solves a lot of these problems. Sometimes my own expectations are set too high, unrealistic even, sometimes the simple acceptance that those expectations are not those of others explains the outcome.

Allowing your expectations of others to be, even in part, the basis of your happiness shows a lack of Wisdom, so learn from the pain, don’t repeat the mistake, and move on. This is, of course, far easier to say than to do. But to help maintain your happiness, set realistic expectations for yourself and accept that failing to meet those expectations does not mean failing completely.

The Long And Winding Road

07 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

PatienceNever forget that making a decision is the beginning, and not the end of the process. In many ways starting something is the easiest part, seeing things through to their conclusion takes far more effort and patience as well as wisdom, courage and compassion.

Whilst many opportunities need courage to grasp, rarely is it courage that sees them through to the end. Often it means relinquishing control into someone else’s hands which can be quite a frightening prospect.

Having determination, and the patience to allow others to realise that your chosen path is the right way to proceed is never an easy thing to accomplish. But the alternative is to reverse the decision, fail in the quest, and be prepared to stomach the bitter taste of defeat. I don’t think so.

Stepping Into The Unknown

06 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

The Fork In The RoadSometimes we have an opportunity to do something different, something that takes us out of our comfort zone and challenges our courage. At that point we have a choice to make. Do we grasp the opportunity with both hands, jump in with both feet, or do we tell ourselves that it’s more prudent to back away and take the safe route?

Years ago, when my Dad retired, we went to the pub together, just the two of us. Now my Dad was a really good man, he stood up for his principles and he cared for his family as all good men do. He was always risk averse, never went out on a limb, always took the prudent path.

I remember asking him that night in the pub, “Do you like Guinness Dad?” to which he replied “No, I’ve never had one”. It was funny, it was very much my Dad. He would not leave his comfort zone, even for a different beer. Now my aunt has often said that I am “Just like my father” and in some ways I am, and proud of it. But with this opportunity, I’m going to be different, I’m going to leave my comfort zone and grasp it with both hands. I’m going to use all the wisdom, courage and compassion at my disposal and make the most of the opportunity.

Consistently Inconsistent

27 Dec 2011 3 Comments

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , ,

Dark PassengerI don’t know about you, but when I say I’m going to do something, I mean it. When I decide on a course of action, I try my best to carry it out. So having had a little slide, I’m determined to focus on the goal and get back on course.

The trouble is, sometimes we don’t stick to our goals, and there are many, many reasons for that. Sometimes our Dark Passenger has a little word, introducing doubts or reasons why we should give up. Ignore him and get back on track, if you can.

There is nothing to compare with the feeling of satisfaction when we achieve our goals. In the same way, there is very little to compare with the feeling of disappointment when we let ourselves down and fail.

We all want to be happy, so be constant. You will be more successful, more content and people will know where they stand too. A win-win situation.

A Buddhist Christmas

25 Dec 2011 1 Comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

OogwayI thought it was an interesting choice of film to show on Christmas day, the story of a zero to hero Panda, through the application of Buddhist principles.

DreamWork’s Kung Fu Panda on TV today, not for the first time I have to admit, was a great lesson in humility, wisdom, trust and self confidence. If you haven’t seen the film it is, on the face of it, a kids cartoon, lots of action, lots of fun.

At a deeper level, it tells the story of the underdog, Po the Panda, who is chosen as the Dragon Warrior against the odds. Nobody believes that Oogway the Turtle has made the right decision, that he was chosen  by chance, even though Oogway explains that there is no such thing as chance.

Even Po is convinced that he has been chosen by mistake, and cannot believe that he is the Dragon Warrior. He is slandered by everyone, even Shifu, who is charged with training Po in the ways of Kung Fu. The other pupils of Shifu, Tigress, Monkey, Crane, Viper and Mantis also look down on Po, though they slowly come to see that his determination is to be admired.

After Oogway passes on, having asked Shifu to believe in Po and following a lot of learning, Po has to meet his nemesis Tai Lung to save the valley.

Lots of Buddhist principles are woven through the film, a good watch and a fun way to learn.

Victory From The Jaws Of Defeat

12 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , ,

Chelsea FCOn a very wet and windy night in west London, my life-long team Chelsea have tonight snatched a fantastic victory from the jaws of what seemed, early on, a horrible defeat. Having gone a goal down, inside two minutes, to a wonderfully gifted Manchester City side, Chelsea clawed their way back into the game and drew level ten minutes before half time.

Manchester City, the only Premiership side to remain unbeaten until tonight, looked every part the league leaders in the first thirty minutes, but Chelsea stayed strong and gradually took the upper hand. Determination, as well as strength, skill and energy saw them push the Manchester side back into their own third for long stretches of the second half. Then, with a renewed vigour, Ramires sprinted onto a through ball, only to be fouled by Gael Clichy, who, having been earlier shown a yellow card, was sent off.

The game changed in the instant, with Chelsea pressing for a winner against the ten men of City. Having the lions share of possession, Chelsea attacked in wave after wave, and were finally rewarded when Julian Lescott handled a shot from Sturridge in the area, and were awarded a penalty.

Frank Lampard, who has been forced to sit out the last couple of games as a substitute, and who had come on only minutes earlier, kept his nerve and scored a priceless winner past the current England keeper Joe Harte.

So a victory for Chelsea, lifting them to third in the league. But more importantly a lesson, how to gain a victory through determination, through wisdom, courage and skill. A victory over the set back of going a goal down, and the reward for never giving up. I have a big smile on my face as I write this, but it is a good lesson for us all. When things go against us, we must dig deep, focus on our own abilities, use all our inner strength to go on, despite the odds, and triumph in the face of defeat.

Sense Of Humour Failure?

01 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

Jeremy ClarksonJeremy ‘Much Loved (by some) Buffoon’ Clarkson has put his brogue shod foot in his mouth once again. Having said on last night’s BBC One Show, that Public Sector strikers should all be taken out and shot, he is being pilloried by the unions and has offered a public apology. But is this really yet another case of political correctness gone mad?

Mr Clarkson, the popular presenter of the BBC’s hit show Top Gear, is renowned for his jokey outspoken views on everything from US cowboys to global warming. He comes out with outlandish statements all the time, but they are always said ‘tongue in cheek’ and need to be seen in that light.

Whilst neither I, nor Clarkson himself, believe that the strikers should actually be shot, I do believe that he is stating an opinion, held by many private sector workers, that pensions in the public sector do need to be made more sustainable and brought in line with those delivered by private pension schemes, and should not be treated as some sacrosanct right.

Much of the dissatisfaction caused by yesterday’s strike could have been avoided, maybe even the strike itself could have been avoided, if the Government had gone about the necessary changes in pay and conditions in a fairer manner. They could easily have phased in changes for new joiners to the public sector, whilst maintaining pay and conditions for existing staff.

At the end of the day, this country, in live with most of the rest of the world, has been living beyond it’s means for many years. The chickens have come home to roost and we all have to take our part in helping get the economy back on track. Nobody wants to see their standard of living drop, but we actually have little or no choice.

So rather than taking umbrage at a foolish comment on an entertainment show, let’s start working together to get ourselves out of this terrible mess.

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