Tannishblog

As I ponder our upcoming election: the theoretical possibility of crooked election machines; the reality of eleventh-hour smear campaigns; words mis-spoken and twisted beyond recognition, I try to recall a Buddhist adage that says "Will it matter in 100 years?" In theory, if the answer is "no," then one is supposed to surmise that it doesn’t matter now, either. The problem is, I feel that the current course America is treading will indeed matter in 100 years - for the worse. And that makes me quite edgy.

With that said, I offer another Dharma perspective to aid in keeping mental stability so necessary in dealing with a world society rapidly deteriorating. This, from The Path to Tranquility by the Dalai Lama.

Nothing is more important than guarding the mind. Let us constantly keep watch over the wild elephant of the mind, curbing it with mindfulness and vigilance. This is how one can avoid being influenced by external conditions. But even in retreat in a very secluded place, if the mind is not kept under control, it will wander all over the place. Even when completely alone, we can have an enormous amount of negative emotions.

Nothing is more important that the minds motions, because all experience emanates from the mind. Viewing this in light of our nation’s political discontent, I recall that all external phenomenon is illusory, will rise and fall like all things and so will soon pass. I’m also reminded not to fret over things of which I have no control, and to mind all those things that I can. What else can one do?

Please exercise you privilege to vote this Tuesday. Don’t take it for granted. It can be taken from us, because nothing really lasts.