In Search of the Champagne Life
by Jennifer Barnick
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Right This Right That—Part II
On my last column I introduced the Eightfold Path, which is the Buddhist version of the Ten Commandments…and yet as I type I want to be very quick to point out that the Buddhist take on moral living and development versus the Judaeo-Christian (with their Ten Commandments) is very different. The Eightfold Path is seen more as a support for one's spiritual quest—meaning if one were to follow the precepts and ideals laid out in the Eightfold Path then life should move along relatively smoothly—not stealing, killing, lying, and choosing legal and honest employment, and taking time to meditate properly are all good ways to avoid a great deal of Nirvana-stealing drama.
Today, I am going to briefly discuss or explain (the best I can) what each of these “rights” mean. I must admit I am more than just a little hesitant, however, to do so. I have made Buddhism a long-time study, and within the past decade I have come to realize that like all religions Buddhism too has several forms and denominations. And while in most cases the essential essence remains—even in the face of seemingly immense difference—the interpretation of The Eightfold Path differs widely. In fact, recently while reading a book discussing Carl Jung's theories regarding one's feminine and masculine identities the writer somehow managed to construe “Right Livelihood” as meaning finally finding the work you find that you love and want to pursue “passionately”…in fact I believe Eros…that frisky son of Aphrodite…was meant to be courted or invited along this journey towards “Right Livelihood”. Now, I will be the first to admit I am not a true scholar, however, from what I have come to understand regarding Buddhism, I have grave doubts that “Right Livelihood” had anything to do with Cupid. So, with all that said I shall do my very best to give you at least the most accurate or perhaps, common a definition I can for each of the precepts.
Right Understanding and Right Thought are the study of wisdom. Generally speaking “wisdom” in this case means the study of Buddhism. However, over the years I have come to see Buddhism as really a long, well documented history of people seeking enlightenment. I do not mean to imply that Buddhism does not have a proper and well-curated cannon nor do I want to imply that Buddhism does not have ritual. However, even Gautama Buddha (the historical gent who founded Buddhism around 500 BC) was quick to point out that his words were not to be taken as truth that he merely wanted to get people thinking because ultimately the path to enlightenment must be journeyed alone. And throughout the history of Buddhism there are countless anecdotes along the same lines—that wisdom and the search for enlightenment aka Buddhism was often to be found in unexpected ways and most definitely was always to be found through self-searching and not from an outside source. So with all that said it is best to think of “Right Understanding” and “Right Thought” as a sort of call to become a very good student and to seek out a very good teacher and to become extremely discerning throughout the entire process.
Right Speech is the first “suggestion” or “commandment” or even better, “admonishment” that would fall under the category as a precept or rule. However, Right Speech (like so many things in Buddhism) is deceivingly simple and actually has two very different meanings. The first meaning to right speech is obvious: do not lie, do not swear or belittle or berate, do not use speech to do anything evil or abusive. The second meaning is very intense and subtle and to be honest the first moral or ethical argument for the white lie . The white lie has been the fodder for comedies and armchair snotty-pants ethicists—how often have you heard the argument that a white lie should be construed as a normal lie and that we all must pursue honesty at all costs? Well, not in Buddhism. However, before I give everyone the okay to compliment away this holiday season, know that the reason white lies should and are permitted is not to keep interpersonal relations calm. The not only permitted but insisted upon white lie in Buddhism is for teaching purposes only and was explained by Buddha as thus:
“Suppose that a mother who is outside doing the laundry sees that the house is on fire. She runs in to tell her children to get out of the house. The children are playing with their toys and are so engrossed with their toys and their playing that they refuse to listen to their mother. Their mother in utter panic and not wanting her children harmed tells the small children that just outside of the house is an even bigger pile of toys…toys of much higher quality than the ones they currently have…and if they were to run out quickly now they can have these wonderful new toys. The children then run out of the burning house and are saved. Now, it is true the mother did lie, however, because the children did not die in the fire then they will actually be able to play with toys…of any kind, and while there were no toys waiting for the children immediately, the mother can buy them once they are out.”
The whole point is that a teacher must use whatever is necessary to get the student “out of the burning house” and onto the path to enlightenment. Sometimes the teacher must promise fabulous things to get the student interested, however, the noble truth is that no-thing could compare to liberation or enlightenment. But it takes a relatively advanced stage to realize this…so in the beginning the teacher much say whatever she deems necessary to save the student.
That is all we have time for today. On Monday I shall be continuing with the Eightfold Path. Monday, November 15 is also the day our newest issue—the Holiday Issue—will be released. Have a great weekend, and I profoundly thank you all for reading my column and supporting The Better Drink.
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