Buomi’s meditations

Oca’s wandering sage, Buomi (pronounced “Boomy”), came down from the mountain to our little shala yesterday and shared some of his meditations. This is what he had to say.

Are we more afraid of the idea we are in control of our destinies, by our sheer awesome agency or by the suspicion our fate is out of our hands, that any semblance of control might be swept away by events over which we can exert no influence whatsoever? Five reflections can help. 

* First, there is no purpose in bemoaning a state of affairs which is outside of our control.

* Second, worrying about an awful thing which may come to pass is wasted energy if we have taken reasonable steps to mitigate the risk of the awful thing coming to pass (and its impact if it does).

* Third, whatever challenge life presents, we can choose, if we have worked sufficiently on our characters, to meet it with equanimity.

* Fourth, most of the time, there is scope for things to become better or worse so whatever it is we are enduring will pass and may not be as bad as it could be.

* Finally, if you have the means to shelter and sustain yourself, it is probable you do at least have the agency to lead a virtuous life. It is down that path that we can find happiness.