Page 27 - EH76

FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 25

Unfortunately, because of this and some of life’s inner change began: the depression disappeared, fear
movements, a deep depression took hold. Noticing my and anxiety settled, anger and impatience lost much
instability, a Japanese friend suggested a 10-day silent of their strength and frequency, and the paranoia that
retreat in Kyoto. She didn’t mention it was Buddhist, once froze me, has not returned in 14 years. And now,
or I might not have gone, since, ironically, Buddhism the benefits are not only personal: my own mother
was the only “religion” I disliked. At the time, all I knew and family are practicing, and my sister is considering
was the “Big Buddha” worshiped by rubbing the belly becoming a nun. What began as a personal journey is
for good business. Many still believe this back home, now benefiting others too, in several countries. The
so there’s a lot of work to be done. Fortunately, I went Dhamma is like this. With these benefits and changes,
to the silent retreat, and heard the Buddha’s teaching how could one not continue pursuing this path?
for the first time. The mind just Jumped! “Yes, yes,
yes! That’s how it happens here, inside!” A ray of hope Do you subscribe to the thinking that true
brightened that night. So, in 2001 the journey began, liberation cannot be achieved without addressing
and I just kept learning and practicing in Burma and societal issues that contribute to suffering?
other countries until the decision was made to dedicate
myself fully to the Dhamma and ordain as a monk. The As the Buddha stated in the last quality of the Dhamma:
aspects of the Dhamma that attracted me most—then “Paccattaṁ veditabbo viññūhī“: “[The Dhamma is]
and now— are its clarity, practicality, groundedness to be realized individually by the wise.” Liberation is
and depth. Unlike other teachings, it celebrates an individual process, fulfilled when one purifies the
curiosity; it is an invitation to observe, to understand. mind from the three roots of suffering (attachment,
It doesn’t demand blind belief, but rather encourages aversion and ignorance). It does not depend on external
investigation and to prove things through direct or societal circumstances; it is a purification within.
experience. It offers a systematic, gradual training As mental impurities—especially the obsession with
through which one can fulfill our noblest potential and, oneself diminishes —their opposites naturally arise.
at the very least, infer the possibility of full liberation. The practitioner becomes kinder, more compassionate
Once I arrived to the monasteries and met the teachers, and begins to see and feel others. Here is where
the long-held questions were more than answered and altruism or service can arise. However, the expressions