“On enquiry,” he explained to Citta, “the notion of self will be discovered to
be merely a name, a turn of speech, a practical convention, a designation in
common use in the world, and beyond this usage self has no ultimate reality.”
The teaching that beyond its conventional usage the idea of a unified self is without substance is unique to Buddhism. Buddhist meditation is based upon experience and investigative reasoning. It leads to the discovery that the world of the senses, externally and internally, may not be the same as we imagine it to be or would like it to be. Mindfulness (sati), being in the present, is an important tool for extinguishing irrational views about the self and the world around us. Buddhism shares many principles with other systems of thought. This feature allows me to draw on words of wisdom from other persuasions to illustrate the universality of values that are relevant to our human quest for knowledge and fulfillment.
This ninety-two page gem of a manual contains chapters of specific instructions on meditation techniques and their benefits. Also included, is a special chapter on the meditation on Peace. In addition, there is a chapter on Western clinical psychology, drawing on the application of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for the management of stress and stage fright as an example, while pointing to its compatibility with the Buddhist principle of mindfulness. Other chapters cover the life of Siddhattha Gotama, the man who became known as Buddha, and his essential teachings, presented throughout the text as the Buddha’s blueprint. There is a review of the place of Buddhism in Western cultural traditions, and science. Application of the ideas presented in this manual is calculated to add strength to our ethical values, mental health, spiritual progress, and knowledge. Along the way, somewhere in the text, there is recognition of the seductiveness of patriarchy on the status of women.
Listening (a story)
Hotdis and Kooldat were at it. They had MeOne sandwiched between their palms. The order was to rub him out. MeOne was not a team player. Considering the cool temperature at this time of year, MeOne felt comfortable from the warmth emanating from Hotdis’ palm. It felt like a seduction. MeOne also noticed that Hotdis’ palm was giving out most of the energy as it began to rub against that of Kooldat. It was no longer seductive. MeOne began to dissolve. MeOne dissolved and dissolved to the point of final evaporation. “Well that’s the end of it.” Kooldat said to himself, having no more palm to rub against, for in the process, Hotdis had also evaporated.
Just then, Noseyrose came drifting by. “Why are you looking at your hand like that?” she asked Kooldat.
“I’m listening to the sound of one hand clapping,”
“I’m listening to the sound of one hand clapping.”
