Buddhist Thoughts is the SLC Buddhist Temple newsletter which is mailed to Temple members each month. Here we provide excerpts from archival Buddhist Thoughts.

2005 March

And Yet ... And Yet  
by J.K. Hirano

We are living in a fast changing wolrd in which our religous, ethical, social and political goals are being put to a supreme test. In such a world the high ideals of the Bodhisattva, this dynamic spirit of Compassion,must be revitalized in our daily lives so we can be of service to humankind. More than ever, understanding and enlightened persons are desperately needed in the world today.

-- The Heart of the Buddha Dharma, Rev. Kenryu Tsuji

Those of you that are reading this article can consider yourselves to be very lucky individuals. Not in the sense that you should run out and buy a lottery ticket or travel to a casino to play the megabucks slot machine, hoping that the millions of dollars will change your life. But in the sense that you have been born a human being, living in the United States of America, in the year 2005. If you had an inclining that when I said you are lucky, you felt that you must do something different then what you are already doing, then you should definitely read on.

In the Buddhist Teachings, the four noble truths are the foundation stones that the other teachings rest upon. The first noble truth states: Life is suffering. This is a very difficult idea to fully comprehend. It is one of the points that I have heard criticized about Buddhism. From the start, Buddhism is pessimistic. My life isn't suffering. I have enough to eat. My children are healthy. I would have to agree, in that sense we are very lucky.

My life is wonderful from a very selfish perspective. I have a house to live in. In this house I have been allowed to make a home. My children and I have closets full of clothes. It's not about choosing what shirt, pants or shoes. I can select the color and the type of fabric the article of clothing is made from. Even in the winter, I could wear short pants and a short sleeve shirt. For in my house, it is neither too hot or too cold.

If it is too hot or cold, I can turn on the heater or air conditioner. If I am thirsty, I can not only go to the sink and get a glass of water. I can go to the refrigerator and choose to drink, bottled water, apple juice, orange juice, soda, beer, whatever I feel like. If I am hungry, I can reach for something to eat. If I don't find what I like, I can go to the store and buy what I want to eat. Even living in a desert, in the middle of winter, I could buy a fresh apple, orange or even a pineapple. In going to the store, if it is night or snowing outside, it doesn't matter. I can get in my car and drive to the store. Even at three o clock in the morning, there will be someplace for me to purchase something to eat.

When I get something to eat and return home, if it is too quiet. I can turn on the stereo, radio, television, computer, etc. etc. If I want to talk to someone, I can talk with them on the telephone or connecting to the internet, I can chat with someone in another country. We live in a day and age that has surpassed the wildest dreams of past civilizations. We have all read or heard about ancient Rome or China. Has there ever been a Roman or Chinese emperor or empress, that has had more luxuries in life.

And yet, I still worry about my life. I don't wake up and think, "Isn't it great to be living in the United States of America in the year 2005." I wonder if I have slept too long? Did the coffee maker start so I will have my cup of coffee? Are the kids on time for school? Did they get their homework done etc. etc. What is it that I have to do today?

And yet, are there still people in the world, that get up and worry about what they will eat or more importantly what their children can or will eat? Are there people that have no one to talk to or listen to? Are there children that don't have parents to worry about their homework or well being in general?

We that are born as human beings are the luckiest of all sentient creatures. For we can ponder these many questions and more importantly we can then decide to do something about it. What is it that you will do today?