Life is like sowing seeds, not in our control: Buddhist nun
BENGALURU: "Life is like sprinkling seeds. You don't know which ones will blossom into beautiful flowers, as their growth depends on factors like soil and water.That's beyond one's control."
Succinct and profound, the words of Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron effectively
summed up the dichotomy between human efforts and reality.
A Chicago-born history teacher who got ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1975,
Chodron is popular for her practical explanations on applying Buddhist
teachings in daily life. In Bengaluru on Tuesday, she spoke on `dealing with
situations when they fall apart'.
At the talk organized by The Garden of Samadhi Mind The Garden of Samadhi Mind
Centre, Chodron, 65, shared instances from her own life."Over 18 years
ago, I had a student who had potential and I was trying to help him learn more.
My other students organized a party on my birthday and this particular student
didn't show up. Instead, he sent me a letter that shocked me. He said 'he is
stepping back, doesn't want to attend classes and wants to think for himself'.
This message hit me like the tsunami. It made me lose confidence as a teacher.
But I learnt a lesson -that I cannot control anyone else. We see potential in
people but they may not see it themselves. When you encourage them, they think
you are pushing them," Chodronsaid.
No one shares your sorrow
In her two-hour talk, Chodron threw light on various aspects of human suffering
and how to tackle them. "They are many who invite others to their 'pity
parties'. But no one attends them. Does anybody come and tell you that 'your
problem is my problem'? After self-pity, we become furious. But that doesn't
help either.We need to change our perspective and accept our
responsibilities.Your present troubles may be a manifestation of the wrongs you
have done in a previous life," she pointed out.
Healing power of compassion
Speaking about the power of an unconditional smile, she said the impact of
compassion is enormous. "This was a long time ago, when one of my friends
was 26. She had some problems, which gave rise to suicidal tendencies. One day,
she came across a stranger who smiled at her; she said that changed her
thinking. The stranger wouldn't even know how heshe had helped her regain
confidence and get on with life. That's how compassion works. Being
compassionate to others helps us understand ourselves," Chodron said.
Hurt by world leaders
Chodron told TOI she was deeply disturbed by the decision of world leaders to
bomb terror-hit countries. "Human beings have great potential. By creating
fear, terrorists are hurting others and hurting themselves. I'm also upset by
the response of world leaders. It is peace that gives satisfaction, not war.
Violence will only escalate the problem.In Iraq, Iran and Syria, generations
have suffered due to war. Each side has to give up something, to make life
peaceful," she said.
A good read indeed. Thanks!