Confusion.
ignorance and confusion lead the way to a life of suffering…
We aren’t lucky enough to see clear sign posts like this in our daily life. We have to rely on our own wisdom. Sadly, it seems to take us a long time to reach a point where we can pre-empt the consequences of our speech and actions. Maybe it’s a gift which comes with a level of maturity or simply with age itself. I don’t think Lord Buddha is ever quoted as having said this but I think “Sit down and shut up” is possibly one of the most helpful phrases we can use for our own self-protection on a daily basis. It will save us from a lot of problems.
We have to deal with internal and external worlds every day. Some days we are on top of things, other days everything gets on top of us. If we can apply wisdom to worldly matters and not become mired in ignorance and confusion we can avoid living a life of suffering.
“Don’t let the flood overcome the heart.” — Ajahn Chah
We can begin to help ourselves by being aware of what we are thinking and doing at all times. I know it might sound like a broken record but it really is true. Everything Lord Buddha taught and laid down for us is the truth - ultimate reality - but hardly any of us take the time to read and reflect upon his words. Only in times of crisis do we turn to our gurus, wherever they might be in the worlds, and expect them to bail us out.
Lord Buddha gave us the benefit of his wisdom through his myriad teachings and techniques but left it to us to practice in order to experience the learning for ourselves and to understand the benefits leading to wisdom, peace and harmony.
No amount of spiritual teachers, meditation teachers, gurus etc. can force us to learn and they can’t do the learning or practice for us. We have to commit and take it upon ourselves to walk the path.
Reading and listening to Dhamma is helpful in and of itself but we still have to put in the work, make the time and use consistent effort to contemplate, reflect, practice mindfulness and meditation in order to:
- let go
- give up
- refrain
- put things down
- accept
- surrender
This is how we can achieve peace, transcend suffering and develop the wisdom we need to solve our daily, worldly problems with Dhamma whilst also practicing patient endurance.
May this practice lead you to wisdom, peace and happiness.
You may like to read more about avoiding ‘the maze of Confusion’ here:
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