Heart Wisdom

This morning we began our day with meditation and chanting. We chanted the words of the Bhaddekaratta Sutta (MN 131). [Also Here.]

“Today the effort must be made. Tomorrow Death may come, who knows?”

For some, the Buddha’s stern and compassionate injunction may seem alarming. However, it is simply an invitation to attend and to be concerned about what really matters – to the point where we discover that we have a choice: to contribute, or not, to suffering or well-being.

I find this terse reminder helpful in countering the enticement of mainstream life.

So often we find ourselves bombarded with information that generates perceptions which lead automatically to a strong inner reaction. It may be fear, rage, or confusion, often with the sense: ‘Something has got to be done!’ (to enable, or to prevent, a certain course of events) – in order to protect our interests most effectively.

With the abundance of such messages continuously presented through the media, is it any wonder that we feel stressed and frantic?

And yet, it doesn’t need to be like this.

Looking closely at the Buddha’s liberating insight into Dependent Arising, we begin to see that there is a pattern, a series of internal events that lead to stress. As our mindfulness increases there also comes an appreciation that, with attention and care, we can interrupt this pattern, this flow – and end up with a very different result.

Instead of feeling (vedanā) leading to wanting (taṇhā) [to hold on, or to have more, in the case of pleasant feeling; to get rid of, or to change, in the case of unpleasant feeling]; and instead of investing energy towards reaching a desired result (upādāna, bhava, jāti) – we can simply let go.

We can recognise, if we like something: ‘This is pleasant… I’d like more…’; and if we’re afraid, or we don’t like something: ‘I feel afraid, angry…’ We stay present. We breathe, and allow the focus to shift from the problem-solving mentality, to the wisdom of the heart, which is accessible here and now.

This heart-wisdom, or Dhamma, has a much, much broader perspective on what seems to be before us. It offers a clarity that can enable a compassionate response, and the heart stays calm.

It is very encouraging that mindfulness training has become readily available and that, for so many, there is an interest in developing and exploring the alternative strategies that this offers.

These strategies, when based on clear ethical values, further personal well-being. They also, quite naturally, have a positive effect on our families, our communities and the whole of our society.

It is no small thing. All that’s needed is the courage to test it out for ourselves – and to keep going!

This reflection by Ajahn Candasiri is from the book, Times and the Timeless, (pdf) pp. 95-98.