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Thoughts and impressions on applying Buddhist principles in daily life, and modern applications of Buddhist concepts.
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Buddhism Changes Poison into Medicine
Changing poison into medicine is a Buddhist analogy that illustrates very clearly how Buddhist philosophy can impact one's life when put into practice.
Put in more concrete terms, changing poison into medicine is about changing our perceptions about a problem, and turning it into an opportunity to grow as a human being.
Everyone goes through difficulties and challenges in their daily lives. It can be as small as being stuck in rush hour traffic, or having a bad waiter in a restaurant, to more serious problems like being laid off from work, having marrital problems, or having a serious health condition. Whatever the case may be, these problems are perceived as problems because they are seen to prevent our advancement in whatever field or avenue we decide we want to go. Health problems are seen as an obstacle to living a long life; unemployment is a hindrance to career advancement; rush hour traffic will make us late for work or an appointment.
But taken from a Buddhist view, these are not really problems, per se, but opportunities for us to reflect on our attitudes and our goals and think whether or not our attitude and our goals are the best things for us to express and have in our lives. Buddhism teaches that in order for us to truly relieve ourselves from suffering, we must challenge our perception of these sufferings we face--to see whether or not they are in fact a cause of suffering. In other words, Buddhism teaches us to reflect on our perceptions of reality, and see f there is another, more positive, more constructive way to look at a particular situation or event.
For example, getting laid off from work, may seem like an obstacle to career advancement, but it may be an opportunity for that worker to find better career opportunities, or even start his/her own business. Being stuck in rush hour, may be an opportunity for you to take more time and relax in your car, or use the time to think more about something related to a project at work. Or knowing that you're always stuck in traffic might encourage you to find other ways of getting to work, ot leaving earlier to beat the traffic. Even health problems can be taken as a way for you to make the most of your day, focusing on the most important things in your life, rather than wasting time thinking that you can do the important things later.
These are just some examples of how Buddhism can 'change poison into medicine' because it emphasizes the importance of an individual taking control of his/her own perceptions and turning a bad situation into a good one.
Of course, this is not an easy thing to do, and often, you will not always see things this way. But through dedicated Buddhist practice, this can become easier and easier, to the point that it becomes a habit, and soon enough, a seamless part of your character.
It is this boundless message of hope that ultimately defines the purpose of Buddhism--to live in faith that, no matter what your circumstances, no matter what your personal or family history--you have the power to change yourself and your perception of the world around you.
Changing poison into medicine is a Buddhist analogy that illustrates very clearly how Buddhist philosophy can impact one's life when put into practice.
Put in more concrete terms, changing poison into medicine is about changing our perceptions about a problem, and turning it into an opportunity to grow as a human being.
Everyone goes through difficulties and challenges in their daily lives. It can be as small as being stuck in rush hour traffic, or having a bad waiter in a restaurant, to more serious problems like being laid off from work, having marrital problems, or having a serious health condition. Whatever the case may be, these problems are perceived as problems because they are seen to prevent our advancement in whatever field or avenue we decide we want to go. Health problems are seen as an obstacle to living a long life; unemployment is a hindrance to career advancement; rush hour traffic will make us late for work or an appointment.
But taken from a Buddhist view, these are not really problems, per se, but opportunities for us to reflect on our attitudes and our goals and think whether or not our attitude and our goals are the best things for us to express and have in our lives. Buddhism teaches that in order for us to truly relieve ourselves from suffering, we must challenge our perception of these sufferings we face--to see whether or not they are in fact a cause of suffering. In other words, Buddhism teaches us to reflect on our perceptions of reality, and see f there is another, more positive, more constructive way to look at a particular situation or event.
For example, getting laid off from work, may seem like an obstacle to career advancement, but it may be an opportunity for that worker to find better career opportunities, or even start his/her own business. Being stuck in rush hour, may be an opportunity for you to take more time and relax in your car, or use the time to think more about something related to a project at work. Or knowing that you're always stuck in traffic might encourage you to find other ways of getting to work, ot leaving earlier to beat the traffic. Even health problems can be taken as a way for you to make the most of your day, focusing on the most important things in your life, rather than wasting time thinking that you can do the important things later.
These are just some examples of how Buddhism can 'change poison into medicine' because it emphasizes the importance of an individual taking control of his/her own perceptions and turning a bad situation into a good one.
Of course, this is not an easy thing to do, and often, you will not always see things this way. But through dedicated Buddhist practice, this can become easier and easier, to the point that it becomes a habit, and soon enough, a seamless part of your character.
It is this boundless message of hope that ultimately defines the purpose of Buddhism--to live in faith that, no matter what your circumstances, no matter what your personal or family history--you have the power to change yourself and your perception of the world around you.
