The Noble Path

Study philosophy, not the media. Do not buy into the modern world’s perceptions of how life is and how one should live, because the modern world is full of people stagnating in mediocrity, boredom, impotence and general un-sexiness. You don’t need to go out in a blaze of glory like a supernova to attain a degree of fulfillment the mediocre can only dream about. One has many ways of going about this. One person’s attempts at setting goals and realizing them won’t be the same as another’s attempts to renew her career in a vital, vibrant way.

Neither should it be so. The noble path is a path of uniqueness. There is no set rule in the Noble Path except that of righteousness (Dharma) vs. heresy. To follow the herd mindlessly is paradoxically heretical because of the spiritually stunting process that one is subjected to via the media such as television and lower forms of culture (present in every society). To believe in one’s uniqueness, to live that uniqueness, is righteousness. Conversely arrogance is heresy because of its narrow view of the world - one that shuts of possibilities of being one could never have imagined. One might wish to be a teacher today, who knows? Many have encountered life-changing situations and risen to the challenge; this is righteousness. Do not be mediocre, at least unto yourself (impressing people for its own sake is also heresy). Arrogance also shuts off religious value, because one has to be open and have faith in the teachings for any progress to be made.

Bodhisattvas use four ‘means of attraction’ (samgraha-vastu) to win people over to the Dharma: generosity, beneficial deeds, kind words, and sympathy. This is a worthy starting point, if you have no idea where to start. I would say the only thing missing there is wisdom, but active cultivation wisdom is often more difficult to do than steadying oneself and offering a kind word or a favour to someone (it often depends on one’s state of mind, whereas wisdom is always in the intellectual sphere). The noble path begins once one is blessed with power; power of one’s own ambition and talents to serve a certain calling.

To be unique, to be noble, that is what the true gods want you to be. And you will be grateful! Lead by example: shine forth, whether like the wise and comforting moon or the passionate and purpose-driven sun - or both. All are One. That realization is when one attains mastery over what she wishes to master. Is that not noble?

- Student of the Buddha