Monday, January 19, 2009
Perspective
As Obama takes office, remember this wisdom from the Buddha:
Buddha said: "I consider the positions of kings and rulers as that of dust motes. I observe treasures of gold and gems as so many bricks and pebbles. I look upon the finest silken robes as tattered rags. I see myriad worlds of the universe as small seeds of fruit, and the greatest lake in India as a drop of oil on my foot. I perceive the teachings of the world to be the illusion of magicians. I discern the highest conception of emancipation as a golden brocade in a dream, and view the holy path of the illuminated ones as flowers appearing in one's eyes. I see meditation as a pillar of a mountain, Nirvana as a nightmare of daytime. I look upon the judgment of right and wrong as the serpentine dance of a dragon, and the rise and fall of beliefs as but traces left by the four seasons."
Are the wise rescuing fools (Wall Street and auto companies), or are fools rescuing fools? Unfortunately, the answer may not be apparent until some time in the future. If the best minds in Washington can't do better than they have been doing, we are likely in big trouble on one level of thought. If we look at it from the Buddha's perspective, it's almost like watching a dream or ants fighting.
Buddha said: "I consider the positions of kings and rulers as that of dust motes. I observe treasures of gold and gems as so many bricks and pebbles. I look upon the finest silken robes as tattered rags. I see myriad worlds of the universe as small seeds of fruit, and the greatest lake in India as a drop of oil on my foot. I perceive the teachings of the world to be the illusion of magicians. I discern the highest conception of emancipation as a golden brocade in a dream, and view the holy path of the illuminated ones as flowers appearing in one's eyes. I see meditation as a pillar of a mountain, Nirvana as a nightmare of daytime. I look upon the judgment of right and wrong as the serpentine dance of a dragon, and the rise and fall of beliefs as but traces left by the four seasons."
Are the wise rescuing fools (Wall Street and auto companies), or are fools rescuing fools? Unfortunately, the answer may not be apparent until some time in the future. If the best minds in Washington can't do better than they have been doing, we are likely in big trouble on one level of thought. If we look at it from the Buddha's perspective, it's almost like watching a dream or ants fighting.
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The funny/sad thing is Buddha is treated like a God in much of Asia, especially Thailand, where there are huge golden, stone and bronze Buddhas
Pete
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Pete
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