The "Normalcy" of Moha
Sojong Reminder from Anam Thubten 5/2021
Dear Dharma friends,
Mother nature has two faces: one is benevolent and the other is wrathful. At the moment, she’s revealing her wrath and many are not ready to deal with it. The world has been struck by a spell of nature called the coronavirus. It is continuously causing many to die all over the world, as if a mighty army of Yamarāja are ravaging the earth. Though our human societal structure often appears to be formidable, this pandemic has revealed the fragility of our existence. Our fellow humans are in need of a great deal of compassion right now, and in a way, this cataclysm has brought out the best in many of us. We’re witnessing unfathomable generosity, kindness, and emotional support throughout humanity.
Through the marvel of modern technology, we’ve still been able to communicate with each other during the lockdown. You might even hear that some people are staying in touch with loved ones or friends more than ever. Various meditation retreats and spiritual programs have become available online as well. Many have taken this circumstance as an opportunity to practice the Dharma and to apply the Buddha’s teachings in real life. It was the first time I was able to offer retreats to our sangha on different continents while not traveling anywhere. As you know, frequent air travel can have all sorts of negative impacts on the environment, so while staying at home this past year, I might have inadvertently made a small contribution to our ecological well being. This may have been true for you as well.
Living on the edge of the unknown this past year has caused many people in our sangha and beyond to realize that the world is not as secure as it seems. Such an experience can actually help us to stay in awareness and not fall too much into moha (Sanskrit), the gentle translation of which is “unawareness”. Moha lacks the mind’s ability to reflect and the heart’s ability to fully feel. When we’ve fallen into moha, we’re unable to experience the rawness of life which inevitably brings a thousand sorrows as well as a thousand joys.
As the lockdown comes to an end in many places, there are signs that the pandemic may finally be under control. Let’s pray that human beings everywhere can overcome this devastating malady as soon as possible. In my part of the world, more “normalcy” is returning each day and people are ready to party, work, and travel. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to remember how easy it can be for our minds to slip into moha as we go back to “business as usual”.
During the sojong, let’s hold the commitment to not fall back into moha. Let’s resolve to continuously reflect on the nature of reality and to keep our hearts compassionate, tender, and strong.
With palms joined,
Anam Thubten