The Five Pillars

No, I haven’t converted to Islam. This session I am writing about the five things that made a significant difference in my life. These aren’t one-off events – these are lifelong entities or phenomena that continue to be the backbone of anyone’s life from infancy to adulthood to death. Read my list and see if you agree with me.

Family. The family is a microcosm of the society – in other words, the mental health and stability of the society reflects in the structure and harmony of the family. This is a very common relation between the macrocosm and the microcosm, for as we see, the United States is indeed politically directionless and part of the reason is the vicious cycle of the social problems within the nation which lead to a collapse in faith in institutions as well as government. Family is undoubtedly also important to individuals, because this they are born into one, they eventually start one, and hopefully, they will die with theirs by their side.

Friends. Where would we be without friends? One of the best comebacks to snap against a tosser with is ‘Go buy some friends’. Even dickheads will hang around with other dickheads. I think we all implicitly acknowledge the importance of social connections, whether with peers, with older or younger people, with the opposite sex, or with the same sex if you’re inclined that way. The more circles the better (at least for me), although I know many who prefer to be with a smaller, tighter group of mates. In many ways how we see our friends is how we see the world – which, of course, holds immense significance for our own worldview.

Education. Sure, sometimes it’s boring. Sometimes is sucks hard. I disliked maths and chemistry, but I think the trade-off – several years of history – was worth it. Education is the only weapon against ignorance, and the most powerful weapon against apathy and delusion. It is no wonder why all the great philosophies and religions of the world place so much importance on a lifelong journey of learning. We all know of the strict educational standards of Asian parents. There is a Jewish saying, ‘Even if it costs you all your possessions, get wisdom.’ And this is the crucial thing: education must bring you intelligence AND wisdom. Unfortunately not many professions offer this double deal, which is why I’ve taken a leap of faith by majoring in Religion and Philosophy. For those who haven’t done this? No worries. How you go about it will be up to you.

Martial Arts. Since doing Karate and boxing, I have become stronger without being more destructive, able to defend myself and others while what little remained of my already diminutive aggression was pacified. Martial arts taught me to really walk the walk, and the precious knowledge that there is always someone stronger, better. Surrounding yourself with weaklings and idiots, in my opinion, is a coping mechanism of those who do not want others to point out their weaknesses, because they are quite obvious to everyone. Not only that, but on a more mundane level, it’s given me a hobby to commit to. Hobbies are important. A fun hobby is the paramount cure to boredom.

And most importantly, Buddhism. I was tempted to write ‘Philosophy and Religion’ rather than Buddhism, but I thought that would do religions and schools of thought that I’m not part of an injustice. For example, Christianity is one of my top academic interests, but I am not a Christian nor part of a church. Buddhism has been an active part of my life (as in, I have read heavily about it, applied some of the practices, and tried again when I failed) for three years. And I’ve made it quite clear this spring is where I draw my fount of purpose and power from. This is the fifth, central pillar of my life. I say my most important things are my Buddhist beads, but I suppose there is one more even closer possession that everyone should regard as their most precious: a compassionate, wise, honourable and courageous heart!