Today I was asked:
“how do you feel about the Chinese government telling
Buddhist monks that they need government approval
to reincarnate”
Dear JAZ,
At the risk of sounding smarmy, my intention is just to relax, and let such foolishness wash over me, like the beautiful rocks at San Diego’s “Sunset Cliffs.” This body and it’s emotions are ever changing. One time this story is brought to my attention I might feel amused, another time it is brought to my attention I might feel pity, yet another time it is brought to my attention I might feel cynical. Understanding Why I feel, does not interest me even half as much as playing with What I feel in the moment. May I elaborate?
Many years ago I used to think that it was my duty as a Buddhist was to never feel an unpleasant emotion and to walk about in perpetual rapture. My kind teachers explained how that was the equivalent of an emotion lobotomy… and no one wants that! They further explained that the Buddhist quest is not to try to feel some things or try not to feel other things but rather be aware of what one feels in the moment, explore the non-graspable nature of that emotion, and use that realization to lovingly bless all others to accomplish that same freedom.
Instead of being constricting and controlling the energies of Awareness, Insight and Love are vast and expansive, embracing all circumstance, emotions and individuals.
I have found there is a great similarity between my emotions, government policies and the weather here in San Diego… if you don’t like it just wait fifteen minuets, it’ll change!
