The Dharma as a Path to Clarity

Every year, around this time, I take ten days away from the day-to-day rigours and routine, for a retreat. It marks the beginning of another year of service, following the milestone anniversaries of my ordinations and entry into monastic/contemplative life. Each night, I practice Naikan, the Japanese practice of “inside looking” or “introspection”, during which time I evaluate my thoughts, actions and words for opportunities to grow into a more faithful representation of the heart of compassion. For me, this time of annual retreat is a period for more intense scrutiny of the work I have done in the previous year, and an opportunity to examine the ways in which I might have failed to accomplish my objectives as a person vowed to a life of compassion and service to all beings.

There were also two main opportunities during the week to give dharma talks to some members of the sangha, who wanted to understand how I consider my path to be a path of simple discipleship and service, without needing to affiliate formally with any form of institutional religion. And so I shared with them some of the deeper considerations that were arising in my own interior scrutiny.

I explained that although, by virtue of my vows, I am compelled to expose injustices, and unhealthy, delusional beliefs that ultimately become obstacles to spiritual growth, I still maintain a genuine respect for all religious traditions. I don't believe that a person who happens to be a practicing Catholic, or Wiccan, Protestant, Jew or Muslim, Druid, Hindu or Sikh cannot also study the Dharma; because I don't consider the Dharma to be a religion at all. It is simply a path... a Way... a philosophy for living life more authentically.

The Dharma can help a Catholic become a better Catholic. It can inspire the Druid or Wiccan adherent to become more authentically Druid or Wiccan.

I believe that Buddha Sakyamuni and Yeshua (Jesus) the Nazarene understood this. Their teaching, which I see as being inextricably one dharma, dispels the fog of obscurity, so that the Truth illuminates our way.

Not unlike the sun, which alone dispels the heavy morning fog, the dharma practice dispels the "fog of our perceptions and beliefs", so that we can begin to see with "clear vision".

By practicing the Dharma of Compassion, we learn to recognise our preconceptions as baseless dreams and ephemeral "bubbles". We appreciate the perceptions that express themselves in various religious traditions as being impermanent and insubstantial; yet that does not detract from their beauty and contributions to the rich and vibrant tapestry of human experience. Much as the perception of a rainbow reveals itself to be an illusion, while remaining a "beautiful illusion", so too do many of our personal and collective perceptions reveal themselves to be "beautiful illusions".

The skillful approach to life ought to be one in which we strive to keep our minds alert and aware, and in a happy, peaceful and compassionate state, as much as possible. If participation in a particular religious tradition, or membership in a particular religious group aids and engenders that happy, peaceful and compassionate state of mind, then it is authentic for us at that particular point in time. If a belief in gods or goddesses foster a happy state of mind, and inspire us toward compassion, rather than fear, then such impermanent thoughts and beliefs are useful.

The important thing is to realise that every thought is transient, and every idea is subject to change. Therefore, we do not become attached to our beliefs, our religions, our dogmas or doctrines. Only love (genuine compassion) exists permanently. That is the Ground of Being. It is the unifying, intangible, inexpressible "stuff" that reflects Itself like the rays of a prism, each one unique, and yet still a reflection of a particular aspect of light itself... just as we, along with all sentient beings, are reflections of the Light and Love that is our true nature.

The walls we build around us to keep out the pain and sadness, also keep out the joy and peace. The practice and study of the dharma is a path through those walls... which gently dismantles those things that have been obstacles to our freedom, our non-suffering, our non-attachment and our joy, until nothing remains but Love and Light.

There's no more "them", only us. There's no more duality. There's no more possessiveness or the need to be right, because right is all that there is. No more obsession with the past, or worry about the future, because we recognise our role in the creation of the perfect "now".

The fog lifts, and clarity reveals the brilliance of each moment, each breath, each potential for compassion and service.

Namasté!

Internationally respected, life coach and teacher, Lama Gurudas Sunyatananda (Dr. F. Gianmichael Salvato, O.C., M.Sc.) is a Buddhist and Franciscan contemplative, and author of the popular book, "The Dharma of Compassion - One Monk's Reflections on the Teachings of the Enlightened and Anointed Ones". He is best known for his on-going contributions to helping people unlock the power of their own minds -- teaching them how to apply that power to create strong, loving relationships, make more money, and live more meaningful, prosperous, health and satisfying lives.

You can join his primary social network and interact with him directly by visiting:
http://www.6dgr.com/index.php?mode=join&ref_id=8412 

Copyright ©2008, Dr. F. Gianmichael Salvato, All rights reserved. This article may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire blog, including by-lines, contact information and this copyright remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.