Slogan Eleven

Transform all mishaps into the path of Bodhi (awakening).

            Because we live in a physical world, it is natural and inevitable that bad things will happen. Our habitual, mental response to such misfortunes is shaped by past thoughts and actions. But Norman Fischer assures us, “The way you spontaneously react in times of trouble is not fixed.” It is not necessary to see ourselves as victims, to blame other people or to let our egos convince us our views are “truth.” Instead, we can realize adversity is universal and not personal. We remember the slogans, practice patience, and understand our feelings are quite normal. We can be present with our emotions, responding to them with fortitude, courage and openness – thus changing our habitual patterns.

Photo: Quartz cluster between green sycamore and brown sweetgum seed balls.

            Awhile back I decided to cut down some dead tree trunks, because I was afraid they might fall and damage our car or roof. They were right next to a chain-link fence which made things a little tricky – I wanted them to land in the driveway but not on the roof or fence. The first trunk landed perfectly, and I cut it in small pieces to haul off. The second trunk took an unexpected twist on the way down and flattened the fence. It was so heavy I couldn't even budge it. As I cut it up in order to get it off the fence, the chain came off the chainsaw. Try as I might, I couldn't get the chain back on. But then I thought, “I’ll just use the ax.” On the second swing with the ax, the wooden handle split down the middle and sent the ax head flying. At that moment, I felt as it the universe had purposefully decided to torment me. Of course everyone has days like these, some much worse than this one, but when they happen to us it feels like we are personally being singled out. The Buddha was once met by a woman whose infant had died. She begged and pleaded with him to bring the baby back to life. The Buddha told her to go into the village and find one family who had not been touched by death; if she could, he would restore her child. Obviously she found no one, and she realized the Buddha was trying to gently teach her that she wasn't being punished – everyone has such hardships. Things break and wear out as do people; spring and summer turn to fall and winter. It’s a natural and universal part of life, but it’s not personal.