Life is complex, not simple. However, people in general like simplistic explanations for complicated phenomena. It makes us feel more secure. We’ll even go to war to defend those explanations. For example, we might say / think, “People should be good, moral, kind, compassionate, and forgiving, because, if we are not; then g-d and / or the law karma will punish us. And if you disagree with me; then …”
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#1 | Written by Doug Sample about 6 months ago.I would argue just the opposite. Life is simple. I didn’t do anything special to be alive. I just am. We humans want life to be complex so that we can feel important and special. This implied complexity gives rise to all sorts of belief systems claiming their superiority and leading to conflict and suffering. I think if the Buddha was here today his message would be along the lines of “Keep it simple stupid”.
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#2 | Written by robin about 6 months ago.Similarly, simplistic explanations give us a false sense of security. They lead to simplistic notions of salvation. Emotional attachment to simplistic methods of salvation give rise to enmity; which leads to and / or is exploited by others to justify war. I think devotional practices have tremendous value. Their simplicity makes them accessible as Dharma gates. However, human development itself is a rather complex and multifaceted process. Moreover, adherents of devotional schools strike me as a bit more inclined to violent expressions of faith than contemplatives.
The Buddha did refrain from complex metaphysics, but I gather this is because such theories lack redemptive value. BTW, I am fairly sure the Buddha believed human life is special because humans make karmic choices and can practice Dharma. Now, the practices that result in human emancipation definitely get complicated, even if they are wrapped around or arise from a relatively simple core devotional practice.
Parts of the Eightfold Path are simple sounding. Right Ethics consists of following the rules, watching one’s mouth, and earning an honest living. However, applying those is tricky. Ethical dilemmas happen. So we need Right Wisdom; which includes having the right perspective and the right objective. Of course, the latter varies with where we are right now, and the former needs to be acquired through trust in the Dharma, practicing the Dharma, and studying the Dharma.
We also need the right kinds of concentration to cultivate wisdom. The 8fold path breaks these down into three. There is Right Spiritual Exercise to develop constructive qualities like enthusiasm, tolerance, kindness, appreciation, compassion, and objectivity. There is Right Meditative Absorption; which develops intellectual cognitive skills like fixed concentration, aptitude for learning, memory, comprehension, conceptual thought, and abstract reasoning. There is also Right Mindfulness; which enhances practical skills like visuospatial cognition, balance, perception, and awareness of self, others, and the environment.
That is, of course, all oversimplified.
One reason I write here is to share my take on Buddhism; which might be useful to fellow Dharma seekers and travelers. Another is because Dharma practice is complex. It requires effort to cultivate and maintain skills. I tend to get lazy or caught up in my gardening and volunteer work. My knowledge gets rusty. My practice slips and I start descending into the ‘woeful’ realms of karmic existence. Writing motivates me to get back to the basics of practice and self improvement.
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#3 | Written by Doug Sample about 6 months ago.
My desire to keep it simple is probably a result of my own laziness. I keep wondering if it’s possible to have “effortless enlightenment”.
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#5 | Written by robin about 6 months ago.
I guess simple and easy are two different things? I alluded to the the second of the 3-fold training; which corresponds to the 6th, 7th, and 8th limbs of the 8-fold path. (like mixed metaphors?)
The name of the 6th is vyayama 精進, The sanskrit literally translates as exercise. The Chinese mean This can be used to cultivate any of various constructive or wholesome qualities. One of these is virya 力精; which translates as vitality or vigor; which includes robust physical energy and and a mental attitude of enthusiasm. Physical energy is related to the flow of vital air / prana 氣 / chi/ qi/ pneuma. IMO, devotional chanting is an easy way to develop virya. This gives us the power to overcome lazy nature and make difficult tasks easier,
The 7th is samadhi, which means mental concentration. One form is dhyana or absorption, also called appana samadhi, or fixed concentration. This is focus on a simple object or subject. This practice calms the mind (samatha) and develops skills to make complex concepts simpler to grasp. There is also khanika samadhi or moment-to-moment concentration; which is a fluid shifting of focus, seeing the forest or big picture, and is related to vipassana or insight.
The 8th is mindfulness; which I presently take as an application of moment-to-moment concentration to living the present moment with full awareness of the forest and the trees. This is developed through the 4 frames of mindfulness … This might be the simplest and hardest.