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TEACHINGS | EASTERN HORIZON
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of unsatisfactoriness. He is filled with thoughts of contentment and applies himself to the
training, diligent, clearly comprehending and mindful.
“Bhikkhus, when a noble disciple senses a post with her device, which is a rant, an alarmist
article, an impressive headline, she reflects thus: this is harmful, it leads to anger, bitterness
and despair, it obstructs wise action, it leads away from peace, right speech and freedom.
Here, bhikkhus, seeing little benefit, a noble disciple gives appropriate attention to the sign
of unsatisfactoriness. She is filled with thoughts of friendliness and applies herself to the
training, diligent, clearly comprehending and mindful.
“When going online, a noble disciple is careful to abide in the appropriate pasture. The life of
the device holder is dusty, full of filters and notifications, but life gone forth is wide open.”
This is what the Fortunate One said, and the bhikkhus delighted in the Fortunate One’s words,
and shared them on social media.
Commentary from the author
Literary divertimentos aside, I think social media is such a part of our saeculum and of the
world (loka) of those of my generation, that it should be given proper attention from spiritual
traditions, philosophies and practices. Several studies have found that, in the way it interacts
with our brain, it has the same addictive potential as alcohol, drugs and gambling. Recently,
Jay Michaelson wrote in Tricycle that social media should be included in the fifth precept
and, at least, be approached with the same moderation that one treats other judgement-
obscuring, mindfulness-reducing substances or activities. I recognize the impulse to check my
phone in empty moments. It’s strong. Because this is the online world, we are led to think
that it is less real or doesn’t have consequences as real, but it conditions us just like anything
else. By not including it in those areas where spiritual growth occurs, we are hindered.
If the dharma is about reducing our reactivity, we must consider whether the way we use
social media contributes to or undermines such a project. I’d say that the ‘aim’ of Facebook
is quite at odds with the aspirations of the dharma. I open my Facebook newsfeed and most
of what I see are videos either of that one secret that will magically solve my relationships,
my health, my learning a new language, or of the last outrageous incident in the world of
politics, corporations, environment, etc. And frankly, they don’t help me solve my life nor