Buddhism

1.)           As I was reading this second lesson, I am seeing a lot of review. But mindful of my mindfulness, I choose to find pleasure in knowing. Then I got to the question section, first question-easy answer for me-Right Livelihood. I spent 4.2 decades doing something I was good at, but felt bad doing it, I did it well, and justified it by saying more people were happy and pleased that I had done it, and I was miserable for having done it. By being so miserable for so long, I was not on the path of contentment, sure it paid the bills, but at what cost. I found solace in I was making people happy, content, and pleased that they had partook of my works. Then I buried myself in religion in order to compensate for being so miserable.

To make matters worse at times, my Boss’s, Boss’s Boss’s, Boss was making and winning wagers placed on-local competitions between other Big Bosses at his level; other people who did what I did, competing against myself. In these situations Winning was all that mattered, no matter the cost-to anyone; Lee, just do what you do, and WIN.

In these competitions, I did not lose. The toll was huge, severe depression-untreated-why you ask. Lee, no you can’t go to the Doctor, must enter next contest, and must win. In-between contests, I was training others on how to win. Most did not have the discipline, most would not do whatever it took, and sure they were big talkers, but could not, did not Walk-the-Walk.

They wanted the quick, the EASY. Seldom had I found one whom showed interest, and was trainable. After about 18-28 months hitting it hard, they were exhausted-usually their First or Second Professional Burn-out, usually burned badly. Like emotionally and physically NUMB. Some of you will know what I mean when I say this isn’t about Voodoo, Hoodoo, or Vudu; Zombie Dance, now take it sixth or seventh Zombie Dance by the same person. Cross train to cross train, then on to Intermediate levels, cross train...then to Advanced levels, then cross train, and cross train, then get into the decision phase the Art of, or the Craft of, or both.

So many times I heard but why can’t I do what I want? Sure let’s do it your way…we would, they would lose, or place second or third. Not good enough-must WINS. Lee, this student must win, no matter the cost, or s/he is gone! Why Wins, well once is not good enough-must always win. I would go sometimes a very long stretch between students, none would even verbally commit. Even more would quit when they found out it isn’t easy. The only way to show the student what I said was true, was to let them experience, the why. They did not take First place, now I have lost them or they are onboard-full measure.

My very first question when interviewing was-forget what you know-it isn’t enough to consistently win. This isn’t about Tricks, or Slick moves, it is hard, and the hours are grueling. What you get out of it, is what you have heard about me, only your name will be said instead of mine-now do you want to commit, Yes or no? This isn’t a 40 or even a 60 hour week thing, if that is what you want, you can talk to anyone else, but not me! This is really hard, the more you learn, the more you find out how much you really do not know.

The Art is about technique, the Craft is about the science of it; combine them and you will win, all of the time. (Either)/Both (one) is exacting, and demanding, combined, it will break you down and reshape you into a totally new being, both mentally, and emotionally. The doing was not the hard part; it was seeing what happened to the student that tore me up-destroyed huge parts of self, myself and ME. The hardest, was people already trained, now part of my job was to show them, in person, in front of their own eyes how much they do not know.

One can visibly see the other person shatter, or just be consumed by the flames of not doubt, but humiliation combined with shame. Big name schools, thousands of dollars, decades of industry experience-completely wipe the slate that was the whole of their LIFE-totally null and void. Then the shock, the crumble, the doubt, anger, disbelief and then shame; not able to walk-the-walk. Then the Big Chill, avoiding at all cost-you, then eventually the Thaw, and in time the asking of how, what, and why? These, would go on to be some of my finest students-usually they would not complete their training, but see that it wasn’t a onetime fluke, and then comes the knowing they can’t walk-the-walk.

2.) Be good to the ALL; give yourself permission to be good to yourself, but never give in to that which destroys you or others. Harm none, including self; but do not give in to the weakness of indulgence-even just a tad. Being good to self and others does not mean indulgence. Be Good to the All. If a sample is enough, then a trough full is not good. If a bite is good, then a cup full is not good. If just one is enough, then a handful is not good-Be good. If better words are left unsaid, then say nothing-Be good. If what you see is not good, then close your eyes, and open them to the unseen, that which one now finds beauty in what is there, and not what you saw-Be Good. If rains, and no trees or shelter are to be found, then look up, open your mouth and drink, for it is pure, and clean, now it is inside of you-Be Good.

3.)  I think he would weep mournfully, with the ache and pain of knowing how much harm is and can be done, and is being done day in and day out. He would regain composure, and find the beauty in those few whom do what they do for the love of doing right-because it is correct.

They do not do for the monetary rewards, the social status, the qudos from associates and friends, nor the self bloated pride or sorrow these same self(s), associates and friends feel, knowing of what you the one does, or they think they know what it is that one does. I feel he would be aghast at the state of war and warfare today; feel deep shame in the porno and child prostitute trades. Not that it was unknown in his time as a mortal, but that it has evolved into the state of affairs it has today-even more corrupt and horrific.

I feel he would be grief stricken with state of illegal intoxicants in today’s’ time frame. Again, not because it was not unknown in his time, but at the broad range of distribution channels; and failure to address the situation in a meaningful and results driven manor, not the current prison industrial complex way of today.

Finally I believe he would be again moved to weeping at the state man has turned the planet into a problem with horrific consequences ahead of mankind. But then find beauty in the flower ahead, the mountain over in the horizon, and the bird that just flew into that tree, and the puddle in the road, left over from the drink earlier. Then the smile that comes with knowing.

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