What Would Buddha Do?

We human beings are sentient, with a physical body that has the sensory intelligence to guide itself to survive as well as automatic defenses that can be triggered when harm is on its way. Every human’s basic desire is to continue to exist. No matter how spiritual or holy we might be, as long as we have this body, we cannot literally transcend this condition.

Sojong Reminder 15/3

Dear Dharma friends,

We human beings are sentient, with a physical body that has the sensory intelligence to guide itself to survive as well as automatic defenses that can be triggered when harm is on its way. Every human’s basic desire is to continue to exist. No matter how spiritual or holy we might be, as long as we have this body, we cannot literally transcend this condition. At the same time, there’s no reason to attempt to transcend it. If a fire is raging, our intelligence knows to avoid it. If the bridge is falling apart, it knows to quickly cross it. It can be dynamic and fast to respond to situations that can endanger us.

However, sometimes this amazing survival function can overwhelm our system. It can highjack our inner wisdom and can cause us to react inaccurately or out of proportion to the challenge at hand. Scientists are discovering that humans have a negativity bias that can steer our attention toward problems and even exaggerate them, such that all the good stuff surrounding us gets missed. This is a primitive coping mechanism left over from the days when life was much tougher for humans on the earth.

Right now, with an endless news cycle always available to us on our smartphone and the rise of viruses raging in many parts of the world, there is a lot of fear in the air. While it’s important to be extra vigilant to protect oneself and others, there is also a way that we can stay calm and not allow this primitive proclivity to throw us off balance. When we notice that fear and anxiety are ready to kick in, we can remember to remain centered and learn to witness what is unfolding.

Remember, there’s always an underlying calm regardless of whatever situation may be disturbing us and the more grounded we are, the more skillful we can be at handling adversities. Reminding ourselves of this inherent calmness leads us straight to that oasis within. We can keep reminding ourselves and each other to trust this inner calm and to continue to witness whatever arises.

Sometimes it’s hard to know if what we’re doing is wise or not. One way to develop a correct sense is to simply ask, “What would Buddha do?” This question may immediately evoke a lofty theory, but it can also provide a clear picture of the wisest way to skillfully act to engage difficult issues in the world. We can then simply follow that intuition even if one’s ego might go on to protest it. We can remind ourselves that we’re on the right track and have faith in our intuition.

During this Sojong, let me invite all of you to hold this beloved, yet troubled world in our loving heart. Let’s hold the intention to keep calm, be Bodhisattavas, and to help others in whatever way we are able. Let’s shine the best part of ourselves - our altruism, compassion and dignity - on all of the troubles in the world.

With palms joined, Anam Thubten