Infused Passion
May 8, 2008 by Raymond Lam
Outsiders often mistake the serenity of Buddhist practice for an apathetic indifference to the world. Even the most reclusive monk would be the first to tell you that this is not the authentic intention. The question one should ask is, as a modern layperson with secular commitments and leisures, how does one distribute the appropriate time to each activity one engages in?
It’s a common theory that people in relationships become unhappy because the other party does not pay enough attention to them, or does not express their affection or desire often enough. Likewise, the bodhisattvas who watch over this particular world-system, while freed from what we experience as ‘unhappiness’, also hope that those who start on the Noble Path will stay on it. I always joked that higher beings are hesitant to reveal themselves directly to most people because if they showed up and told us exactly what to do, we’d be walking their path, not our own. Only in certain pivotal moments in history have the divinities seen it crucial to intervene in human affairs when humans were in ontological danger. For example, did you know that after the Buddha attained Enlightenment, he was thinking of leaving the world without teaching anyone? He was worried that due to the difficulty of the teachings, no one would understand him.
But in the words of the God who convinced him to remain in the world, ‘in the muddy lake, a lotus will rise above the dark waters and blossom!’ No matter how few, there will be people who will understand and follow, and is this not reason enough?
Is this not encouraging to you? It is possible to ‘realize’ and ‘develop’ passion, or the other way round. The possibilities are not limited at all; because everyone has different priorities on their different vocations. You only need to ask sincerely, and you shall receive an honest answer.
We shall rise above the dark waters together, and bring our lights unto the world.
Hey Ray,
Your writing just keeps getting better and better!
Thank you for the inspiration today, I can sure use it.
take care,
Greg
I had heard this about the Buddha, and aren’t we all glad he did stay?
This idea of “if you help one person, it is worth it” also applies in our everyday lives, not just at the higher level of the Buddha.
I see this as a high school teacher all the time -and I am most certainly NOT comparing myself to the Buddha, by any means. I’m just recognizing this concept.
Sometimes I feel that my job is pointless. And yet, I have had students come back to me after graduating specifically to tell me that my Art class is what kept them sane, or the reason they made it through the day, and that moment makes it worth all the rest.
Thank you for your inspiring words.
Peace,
Christine
I’m always happy when hearing these stories. Too often, we must endure great frustration in order that our students may enjoy the merits of our talents and hard work. That is the teacher’s duty (and ideally) pleasure.
May I ask what exactly within the Arts you teach? I also study Arts at university; my majors are Philosophy and Studies in Religion.
I teach High School Art and Ceramics classes. My classes are organized purely as hands-on. I do not lecture, we do not take notes, and we do not study theory. I know there is a place for that, but in my experience with public school, the more hands on the better. Those interested can have all the lecture and theory they want in college.
I don’t know how familiar you are with public education… with the “no child left behind” law, all kids are clumped together in the same classes, which basically mean you have to teach to the lowest denominator. Too bad for the talented. I won’t get started on that topic…
We do all sort of medium, pencil, paint, map colors, paper mache type things, etc. The kids generally enjoy it and it helps them get away from their daily stress of school structure. I work with each kid at their level -a little easier for me than for core subjects- pushing each to do the best they can beyond what they think they can do.
This is probably a lot more answer than you were looking for… ;-)
Thanks for asking.
No problem, always happy to learn of new things. Thanks for your sincere input.
I am in university right now, and I went to a private high school. I must profess to be an ignorant spoilt prat when it comes to public schooling… might explain why I am aiming for a university lecturer career.