LISTEN TO THE EARTH

by Rev. Blayne Higa

Our world is in chaos and it seems we are constantly trying to find our footing on the deck of a ship sailing on stormy seas. Our lives have been upended by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic as well as the political and civil unrest sweeping across our nation. These events remind us there is an imbalance in nature and within our society that is the cause of immense suffering.

In times of uncertainty, it is common for us to seek quick and easy answers to our problems and in recent years, many people, including certain national leaders have turned to believing in and promoting dangerous conspiracy theories and “Alternative Facts.”

Belief in these theories arises from a human need to feel more in control of an uncontrollable situation. That also arises is the dark side of our nature which assumes the worst as we look to find someone to blame. This imbalance of perspective leads to further suffering as we find ourselves spiraling down a rabbit hole of fear, anxiety, and hatred.

However, the Buddha offers wisdom for living through such turbulent times and how to determine which path to follow and who to believe. In a story from the Kalama Sutta, Shakyamuni Buddha visits the village of the Kalama people who share with him how monks they never knew visited their village claiming their teachings are the best and how others are false. After telling the Buddha of their confusion and ask for his help in deciding who to listen to and what they should believe. The Buddha tells the villagers that it is only natural to feel such confusion and doubt. He then offers the following advice:

Neither believe nor reject anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in traditions simply because they have been handed down for generations. Do not believe what is written in religious books. Do not believe something just because it superficially seems to be true. Do not believe something for reasons of logic or philosophy. Do not believe anything merely by authority of your teachers and elders. Even if I tell you something, do not believe it!

The Buddha tells them to trust their own experience and to know for themselves whether a teaching leads to harm or happiness for self and others. This simple test encourages us to thoroughly examine, experience, and to carefully consider any teaching or advice with the compassionate heart and mind of a bodhisattva. The Buddha empowers us to tap into our own intelligence and wisdom guided by the light of the Dharma.

The Buddha’s teachings can help us to engage in a chaotic world with clarity and wisdom. Our nation and the entire world are now being inundated with conspiracy theories and misinformation especially when some people disagree with reality. When someone you disagree with something or someone doesn’t fit into a narrative, it gets labeled “Fake News.” Just like the Buddha advised the Kalama people, think critically about the media and information you consume. Rigorously test its veracity based on whether it leads to harm or happiness for self and others.

The truth matters especially when making decisions that impact our lives and the lives of others. Truth matters when dealing with public health. Truth matters in our democracy.

This is an occasion for us to reflect deeply on the nature of our true self, which is hidden beneath our ego and attachments. It is this ego-self that is seduced by the promise of simplistic answers offered by conspiracy theories that poison our hearts and minds. The Buddha’s teaching is the antidote which neutralizes ignorance and helps us to discern fact from fiction, truth from lies, and what is wholesome and unwholesome in life. Let us reflect on cultivating spiritual balance through living the Buddha’s teachings.

Namo Amida Butsu (Entrusting in All-Inclusive Wisdom and All-Embracing Compassion)

Rev. Blayne Higa is the Resident Minister of the Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Kealakekua, HI and is the Co-Chair of the Committee on Social Concerns for the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. Before entering the ministry, he spent over 17 years in state government and the non-profit sector. He has served on the Board of the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii and Vibrant Hawaii. Rev. Blayne holds a Master of Divinity from the Institute of Buddhist Studies and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.