Independence day dharma
India’s July 4th
India’s Independence Day occurred on August 15th, 1947. Aug. 15th has become a national holiday to commemorate the country's freedom from British colonization. The day is reigned in with ceremonies, patriotic speeches, and nationalism.
Choosing what matters most to us can determine how fast we progress on the path to Nirvana. Prioritizing charity, positive thinking, and taking noble actions pushes us toward enlightenment. Harming others, disregarding people’s feelings, and striving for pleasure veers us further off the Buddha’s path.
Introspection brought about by reading The Ambivalent Zen this morning has awakened me to noticing a root cause of my struggle to attain enlightenment: I cling to strong desires. Up to this point in my 22-year-old existence, feeling as if I “fit in” has been a struggle. Insecurities about relationships, friendships, finances, career prospects, and being appreciated have taken over my mind.
A couple of months ago, when I began to meditate at the Dinh Quang Buddhist Temple, I attributed my suffering to attachment. Obsessing over thoughts, feelings, and things I want and don’t have—or have and don’t want—has driven me crazy. If I didn’t feel attached to any of this stuff, I’d be happy, right? The trouble is, I do want things I don’t have; thus, letting go of them feels unnatural. However, if you acknowledge that you cannot currently possess everything you want, you can live freely in the present.
Nirvana is a twofold concept that can be interpreted as occurring either before or after death. Nirvana with remainder is a representation of ourselves being free from afflictions while we are still alive. Nirvana without remainder is the true goal of Buddhist practice and refers to one's ultimate escape from Samsara—dying without the need to be reborn.
Whether or not you choose to follow the Buddha’s teachings is up to you. True dedication to Siddhartha Gautama requires adherence to each step of the Noble Eightfold Path. You must have the right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. Some of these teachings can be difficult to follow at times. For example, what if saving for retirement requires you to work for a large corporation? The Buddha would instruct you that, to reach Nirvana, you must quit your corporate gig to choose a job that truly helps others. This sounds wonderful in theory, but in practice, it may not be realistic.
Thankfully, deviating from some of Gautama’s beliefs does not mean you can’t adopt his wisdom. Peace, love, compassion, and freedom from desire may benefit you regardless of your position in life or your goals. Namaste.