I started a new job a couple weeks ago, and the store is on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. The promenade is full of people, from rich and passing through to those who live in the area around trash bins behind the storefronts. I generally ride my bike to work, park and lock it directly in front of the store, then go to work. When I leave I repeat in reverse. I try to avoid the local wildlife as much as possible so I can get back to my semi-clean house with aging groceries. Normally I avoid the scores of homeless folks holding creatively-worded signs with dirty hands. My favorite was "Original poem for a donation." Usually I steer clear of the black men gathering cash for Sudanese genocide relief and the Asians asking which question on a card I would prefer to answer, but today fortune had something else in store for me.
I was unlocking my bike outside the store and, before I could think of some great reason for this small-framed Asian guy to leave me, he shoved a laminated card in front of me and asked which question most appealed to me. There were seven questions. One was "Does God exist?" All of the others were of the metaphysical variety, dealing with the way life operates from a mostly theoretical perspective. I chose "What is the purpose of life?" I naively figured this man wasn't too intelligent, thinking that anyone asking questions on a 4 x 6 card couldn't be particularly wise. I said that the purpose of life was to have fun. To do what one wants. To create one's own destiny. This was true, and I believed it all, but it was insufficient to him.
The man was an Indonesian native with an accent, but sharp intellect and broad vocabulary. His name was Bastam, and when he spoke he looked sharply through his glasses. When I spoke he listened intently as I struggled to find words for things I had only ever said in my mind. We went into detail and he asked where I gained my philosophy. I replied that I didn't know. I had never been asked these questions, much less where I found the answers. I knew it would have been a cop-out and superficial answer to say that I had learned it just through living. The ideas came from somewhere.
A fifty-something homeless woman in a wheelchair, whom I had seen many times before next the the tree beside which Bastam and I were talking, rolled up and assumed her normal post.
I told Bastam that I had started reading Buddhism as a hobby 3-4 years ago and learned a lot about impermanence and detachment from one's emotions from that. I told him how I realized a few years ago that all humans are self-interested and that it became, in a way, a self-fulfilling prophesy for me: I realized that I needed to start living for myself.
"Do you think there is a way to measure success?" He asked.
"It's all relative," I replied. Success is measured differently by everyone, but success that can be measured is destined to become insufficient. I used the example of a new car. If I go buy a new car and drive it off the lot, I feel great because I have a great car, and I have a newer car than almost everyone on the road. Am I successful at this point? Does my life have purpose that can be tangibly measured by my income? Not really. As soon as I drive that car off the lot it loses 25% of its value, plus I have to maintain it. Everyday I drive it is a day it becomes less cool that I am driving that particular car. The only way to be satisfied is to detach from the emotions that made me happy in the first place and realize that those emotions, like my car's new car scent, are impermanent.
We talked about the things that make people happy. Cars, sex, money, work, surfing. We decided together that you could in fact have too much of the above. It is diminishing marginal utility. Last night I watched a show in lottery winners. All of them destroyed their lives after winning the lotto. The only difference was the money. We agreed that the only thing people could not have too much of was happiness. Britney Spears is reputed to have said to a homeless man that he had a better life that she does, presumably the difference was the size (or mere presence) of their bank accounts. She would probably have said that she has too much money and that ruined her. Nobody has ever claimed to have had too much happiness. It is what we all crave but can't figure out how to get. Of course, the second noble truth (that suffering is caused by craving) might explain why that gets in the way.
Bastam seemed shocked by most of what I said. I am not quite sure why. After all, I didn't make this all up. This is my interpretation of Eastern philosophy, modern philosophy and life lessons. "You should be teaching classes on this, you could make a lot of money," he said. I denied the truth of that, and still do. But the reason he suggested this was that I had finally broken down what many people have refused to break down. I told him that people were self-interested, that all things were impermanent and paradoxically said that our emotions are the things getting in the way of our being happy. I told him that we are the creators of our own lives, the reckoners of our own purposes and the authors of our own lives. No second is wasted when I do what I want. Since I don't believe in a presiding, omnipotent God, I am the only person who is going to be able to create what I want to create with my life.
I was getting cold and beginning to shake under my jacket. I told Bastam that it was time for me to go but it was great talking to him and that I would definitely see him again around the promenade. We shook hands and he told me his name and his home country. "Great waves in Indonesia," I said, referring to what I had said we he asked what made me happy.
"Hey," the homeless woman said to me. Last week she had, suprisingly poignantly, lectured me on why my store should move some potted plants that had been placed on the roof above the entrance. "Check this out."
She handed me a card that read "NAH MYOHO RENGE KYO The key to unlocking your highest potential" on one side and "Soka Gakkal International-USA, Buddhism for modern living" on the opposite.
I said goodbye to the pair and rode away. I was happy. I had vocally tapped into an area which I had only explored mentally. The dialogue had gained two more dimensions, the Indonesian man and the homeless woman. I felt like we were all on the same page. We are all just doing what we can to stay happy.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Impermanence and the Art of Equanimity
This may come as preachy. It's not meant to be. I have learned a lot through reading several books and going to lectures on various strands of Buddhism, and I have formulated a series of opinions from this as it relates to real-world, Western life. Read, enjoy, disagree, agree, learn, or do whatever.
The topic of impermanence is so important within Buddhist practice because it hangs over all of the concepts - and even the teaching itself. It is important to talk a little about what would make something permanent so we can look at what makes something impermanent. Something that is permanent is something that has always been, is, and will always be. It will never change in size, shape, color, smell, taste, or any other characteristic. It will not change, for instance, from coal to diamond, from water to steam, or from a caterpillar to a butterfly. That being said, nothing has ever been permanent. There is nothing that exists today that has been in existence for eternity. The constant reminder that everything is impermanent is one of the things that keeps me sane.
It is useful for two reasons: awesome things and shitty things. Knowledge of impermanence in great for looking at awesome things because it helps us savor them. You know when you get that huge Double Double and it's hot and the cheese is melting and your mouth is on the verge of climax? You know that Double Double is going to go away. That feeling will not last forever and that is what makes that delicious dream of a burger so amazing. It is also nice to know that shitty things that come your way are going to go away - though not necessarily get better! You can be stuck in the mountains, it's freezing, you don't have any food, and your life sucks. You are certainly suffering, but it doesn't matter, because that situation is impermanent. You will either get food and warmth and survive or you will not, and you will die. There isn't a whole lot of gray area there, but knowledge of impermanence helps to look at any situation and know it will go away.
One useful exercise I learned is to look at yourself from outside your own body. Don't look from inside, the self, with a value judgement of the present situation. Instead take a look at yourself from a different person's perspective, or look with your own eyes but a few years down the line. Let's say a guy comes up to you in a bar and thinks you were checking out his lady. You weren't. She is fugly, but put that aside. Instead of steering from the emotion of the present moment, look at yourself from a few years down the line and decide what you want to create in that situation. I have found this to be the most effective way to diffuse any situation and turn things around so they turn out great in the end.
This attitude leads to the art of equanimity, or letting go. Once you have detached from your emotions and can make decisions based on your goals you have begun to learn to let go. Your emotions, after all, are always changing as well. You may feel apathetic, exhausted, euphoric, depressed, or many other things, but those will change. You know they will because you have felt all of them at some time!
A popular cliche that many people (often people who feel slighted) use is "I can forgive but I will not forget." To me, forgive is too vague, but it is along the same lines as "let go." I would replace this phrase with "I will let go." I don't know if I will forgive or forget, but I know I will let go. I know I will detach from my emotions, remember that everything is impermanent, and let go of whatever anger and animosity I have toward anybody. Just as constant change happens at different speeds for different things, equanimity happens at different speeds for different things. But I know I will let go.
The topic of impermanence is so important within Buddhist practice because it hangs over all of the concepts - and even the teaching itself. It is important to talk a little about what would make something permanent so we can look at what makes something impermanent. Something that is permanent is something that has always been, is, and will always be. It will never change in size, shape, color, smell, taste, or any other characteristic. It will not change, for instance, from coal to diamond, from water to steam, or from a caterpillar to a butterfly. That being said, nothing has ever been permanent. There is nothing that exists today that has been in existence for eternity. The constant reminder that everything is impermanent is one of the things that keeps me sane.
It is useful for two reasons: awesome things and shitty things. Knowledge of impermanence in great for looking at awesome things because it helps us savor them. You know when you get that huge Double Double and it's hot and the cheese is melting and your mouth is on the verge of climax? You know that Double Double is going to go away. That feeling will not last forever and that is what makes that delicious dream of a burger so amazing. It is also nice to know that shitty things that come your way are going to go away - though not necessarily get better! You can be stuck in the mountains, it's freezing, you don't have any food, and your life sucks. You are certainly suffering, but it doesn't matter, because that situation is impermanent. You will either get food and warmth and survive or you will not, and you will die. There isn't a whole lot of gray area there, but knowledge of impermanence helps to look at any situation and know it will go away.
One useful exercise I learned is to look at yourself from outside your own body. Don't look from inside, the self, with a value judgement of the present situation. Instead take a look at yourself from a different person's perspective, or look with your own eyes but a few years down the line. Let's say a guy comes up to you in a bar and thinks you were checking out his lady. You weren't. She is fugly, but put that aside. Instead of steering from the emotion of the present moment, look at yourself from a few years down the line and decide what you want to create in that situation. I have found this to be the most effective way to diffuse any situation and turn things around so they turn out great in the end.
This attitude leads to the art of equanimity, or letting go. Once you have detached from your emotions and can make decisions based on your goals you have begun to learn to let go. Your emotions, after all, are always changing as well. You may feel apathetic, exhausted, euphoric, depressed, or many other things, but those will change. You know they will because you have felt all of them at some time!
A popular cliche that many people (often people who feel slighted) use is "I can forgive but I will not forget." To me, forgive is too vague, but it is along the same lines as "let go." I would replace this phrase with "I will let go." I don't know if I will forgive or forget, but I know I will let go. I know I will detach from my emotions, remember that everything is impermanent, and let go of whatever anger and animosity I have toward anybody. Just as constant change happens at different speeds for different things, equanimity happens at different speeds for different things. But I know I will let go.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Planting the Seed and Watering the Tree
Many people who know me well know that I am a man of aficion - that is, an aficionado in the way that Hemingway describes Jake in The Sun Also Rises. I am a passionate about the things and people I love. I am also a big fan of metaphors and expressions and have written small pieces of verse since high school. I realized a few years back that one must plant the seed and water the tree to pick the fruit. This is prevalent in all aspects of life and is related to another thing for which I have aficion, which is karma. Karma is such a beautiful concept when understood properly because it takes the accountability out of a "doer" or "reckoner" and back into the hands of the person wishing to develop such karma, which is everyone. We all want good things done unto us.
In order to develop good karma, one must create an atmosphere in which karma can develop. Just as a seed doesn't grow without soil and a key is just a piece of metal if it doesn't open a lock, karma does not exist in a vacuum. It does not exist without you being there to create it. That's the magic of it! Because you have to be there to create it, you have the option to create the best possible scenario. You have the opportunity to cultivate positivity in every situation. The cultivation of positivity is going outside of one's normal range of deeds into the unknown realm of good deeds with the idea of spreading positivity.
Re-enter the seed. I often use this metaphor for securing one's objectives, whether they are a job, a wave, money, or getting laid. You have to plant the seed and water the tree if you want to pick the fruit. Taken apart, these steps are simple. Planting the seed is the most difficult and involves the least amount of control because is throws the curveball of being in the "right place at the right time." To learn how to place oneself in the right place is to become the master of one's craft. Once the seed is planted watering the tree is simply cultivating positivity. The final step, of course, is to pick the fruit, enjoy it, and realize that it is impermanent.
Thus concludes my first Zen lesson, impermanence is next.
In order to develop good karma, one must create an atmosphere in which karma can develop. Just as a seed doesn't grow without soil and a key is just a piece of metal if it doesn't open a lock, karma does not exist in a vacuum. It does not exist without you being there to create it. That's the magic of it! Because you have to be there to create it, you have the option to create the best possible scenario. You have the opportunity to cultivate positivity in every situation. The cultivation of positivity is going outside of one's normal range of deeds into the unknown realm of good deeds with the idea of spreading positivity.
Re-enter the seed. I often use this metaphor for securing one's objectives, whether they are a job, a wave, money, or getting laid. You have to plant the seed and water the tree if you want to pick the fruit. Taken apart, these steps are simple. Planting the seed is the most difficult and involves the least amount of control because is throws the curveball of being in the "right place at the right time." To learn how to place oneself in the right place is to become the master of one's craft. Once the seed is planted watering the tree is simply cultivating positivity. The final step, of course, is to pick the fruit, enjoy it, and realize that it is impermanent.
Thus concludes my first Zen lesson, impermanence is next.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
News Story of the Year
Yes, I know the year is barely two weeks old, but barring me winning the lottery this will undoubtedly be the news story that will trump all others. This 16 year old kid in Australia had a rager when his parents were gone and it took 30 cops, dogs and a helicopter to break it up. The cops are considering charging the kid up to $20K for damages and when asked if he had any regrets, the kids says that he would do it again if his parents weren't coming home from vacation this week!
Here's a photo of the legend:
Here's the MSNBC's version:
MELBOURNE, Australia - An Australian teenager who threw a wild party while his parents were away could face a hefty fine after police said Monday they might charge him for the cost of breaking up the gathering.
More than 500 people turned up to the party Saturday in the southern city of Melbourne, and some of them went on a rampage when police responded to complaints about the noise.
Police cars were pelted with glass bottles and nearby houses and gardens were vandalized before at least 30 officers, a helicopter and the dog squad were able to end the melee at the suburban home. No one was arrested.
Victoria state Police Commissioner Christine Nixon said it would be difficult to prove exactly who caused the estimated $18,000 in damage, but the youth may hold ultimate responsibility because he threw the party.
"He needs to learn a lesson, and one way or another we will be making sure that happens," Nixon told reporters at a news conference.
The 16-year-old told local media he had no regrets about the party because he believed invited guests had no role in the ruckus. Asked if he would do it again, the youth said he would do it again this weekend — if his parents were not due home from a vacation this week.
Victoria's acting Premier Rob Hulls said the youth's parents had no idea about the party and were horrified when police told them what had happened.
Here's a photo of the legend:
Here's the MSNBC's version:
MELBOURNE, Australia - An Australian teenager who threw a wild party while his parents were away could face a hefty fine after police said Monday they might charge him for the cost of breaking up the gathering.
More than 500 people turned up to the party Saturday in the southern city of Melbourne, and some of them went on a rampage when police responded to complaints about the noise.
Police cars were pelted with glass bottles and nearby houses and gardens were vandalized before at least 30 officers, a helicopter and the dog squad were able to end the melee at the suburban home. No one was arrested.
Victoria state Police Commissioner Christine Nixon said it would be difficult to prove exactly who caused the estimated $18,000 in damage, but the youth may hold ultimate responsibility because he threw the party.
"He needs to learn a lesson, and one way or another we will be making sure that happens," Nixon told reporters at a news conference.
The 16-year-old told local media he had no regrets about the party because he believed invited guests had no role in the ruckus. Asked if he would do it again, the youth said he would do it again this weekend — if his parents were not due home from a vacation this week.
Victoria's acting Premier Rob Hulls said the youth's parents had no idea about the party and were horrified when police told them what had happened.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Too Many Motheruckas Uckin With My Shi
I have recently been obsessed with Flight of the Conchords,
which I got on DVD for Christmas, and I read a book on torture at Guantanamo Bay called Eight O'Clock Ferry to the Windward Side.
Good balance. I highly recommend both.
I have also spent the last week surfing in SB, here in LA and down in Huntington.
Life is good. Work? What's that?
which I got on DVD for Christmas, and I read a book on torture at Guantanamo Bay called Eight O'Clock Ferry to the Windward Side.
Good balance. I highly recommend both.
I have also spent the last week surfing in SB, here in LA and down in Huntington.
Life is good. Work? What's that?
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Getting Weird in Vegas
I rung in the new year in style with Scott and a bunch of his friends from OC. In about 48 hours of being there I slept no more than 9 hours, which is less than I usually sleep in a normal night. On the first night we saw the Steve Wyrick Magic Show courtesy of a friend of mine at Planet Hollywood Hotel, then lurked around the strip and ended up meeting Michael Jordan, an Elvis impersonator, and going to Tangerine, a club in Treasure Island before eventually crawling into bed at 5AM.
Scott, Michael Jordan/Elvis and Nick. He was cruising the strip at 3 in the morning with his 9 year old daughter.
For New Years we managed to shake off our hangovers to get out to New York New York for some cocktails just before the ball dropped. The strip was chaotic, full of drunk and coked out people and tons of cops. Fireworks went off everywhere and it was sick. On the way back our friends Luis and his brother Juan got arrested when some Jerkoff picked a fight with another friend of ours. When things finally shook out, we all made it home slightly more broke but without any regrets. Fucken Vegas!
Scott, Scott and Derek as we were celebrating the new year on the East Coast at 9PM and watching a guy jump a motorcycle 320 feet on TV.
Fireworks over the North end of the strip.
Hermanos. The classiest guys in jail that night.
Scott, Michael Jordan/Elvis and Nick. He was cruising the strip at 3 in the morning with his 9 year old daughter.
For New Years we managed to shake off our hangovers to get out to New York New York for some cocktails just before the ball dropped. The strip was chaotic, full of drunk and coked out people and tons of cops. Fireworks went off everywhere and it was sick. On the way back our friends Luis and his brother Juan got arrested when some Jerkoff picked a fight with another friend of ours. When things finally shook out, we all made it home slightly more broke but without any regrets. Fucken Vegas!
Scott, Scott and Derek as we were celebrating the new year on the East Coast at 9PM and watching a guy jump a motorcycle 320 feet on TV.
Fireworks over the North end of the strip.
Hermanos. The classiest guys in jail that night.
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