Who can we trust,anymore? Tiger Woods, Mark Mcguire ,John Edwards,Eliot Spitzer All our would-be idols have toppled themselves. And it does seem to point out the illusion of “heroes”. We would gladly traipse after our “annointed” few and forego the simpler,unadorned practical – albeit healthy – life styles that this country was founded upon.There seems almost to be a fragrance in the air that we dare not miss or else our lives will have been without flavor or even meaning.
Think back on that pithy phrase “If it seems too good to be true it usually is”. The Buddhists seem to have their finger on it – Awareness/mindfulness is the means and also the goal. In the monastery I was given the duty of sweeping a wide path – some 600 meters long. At first I rebelled and dreaded the monotonomous work but as I learned to concentrate and became more aware, I learned to love this work and after several months you coudn’t pry me from my “sweep detail” with a crowbar.So, my dear friends we need very little to bring peace to our hearts. Be content with our allotted portion and remember another Buddhist truth (in this case 4 noble Truths)
All life is Suffering
All suffering is caused by desire
Eliminate desire – eliminate suffering
The 8 fold path:
Right intention,right thinking,right action,right meditation,right prayer,right duty,wisdom and compassion.