Shantideva was an 8th-century Indian philosopher, Buddhist monk, poet, and scholar at the monastic university of Nalanda. As I ponder the events of May 24 in Uvalde, Texas, I think of Shantideva’s classic, The Way of the Bodhisattva, and this excerpt in particular, from Chapter 5 (Vigilant Introspection), verses 11-13:
“Where could beings, fishes, and the rest,
Be placed to keep them safe from being killed?
Deciding to refrain from every harmful act
Is said to be transcendant discipline.
Harmful beings are everywhere, like space itself,
Impossible it is that all should be suppressed.
But let this angry mind alone be overthrown,
And it’s as though all foes had been subdued.
To cover all the earth with sheets of leather-
Where could such amounts of skin be found?
But with the leather soles of just my shoes
It is as though I cover all the earth!”
Today, this is a clear-eyed and logical place for me to dwell. Suggestions for more guns, more guards and more bulletproof school buildings will not erase the fact that “harmful beings are everywhere, like space itself, impossible it is that all should be suppressed.” With that in mind, perhaps I could try for two simple things:
(1) be a functioning human being, not buffeted by heartbreak and helpless rage
(2) as the old saying goes, go out and be “part of the solution, not part of the problem.”
Mental discipline—vigilant introspection and “overthrowing my angry mind”—won’t change the world. But Shantideva’s words suggest that I could change my “self.” Acting “as though” all foes have been subdued is not the same as subduing all foes. However, it asks the mind to travel on a better path.
“As though” is a real and potent strategy. It is not a fantasy of rainbows, unicorns and kumbayas. By acting “as though,” I can steer the ship, thus diverting myself from fueling the energy of despair. “As though” doesn’t fix the world, but it helps me to become more useful and helpful. That’s important.
About seven years ago, I was introduced to the Buddhist worldview. Before that, my spiritual journey took many twists and turns, but I tried to keep an open mind and heart throughout, and to discern, as best as I could, what was the next right thing to do.
For most of my adult life, that often meant trying to be useful and helpful. That is such a strong theme in the culture of my family of origin.
When he was in his 60s, my father met a soulmate, Marty, who expressed that idea well. I often re-read his words in the morning to set the stage for the day. In a way, they express what Shantideva encourages me to do: act “as though.”
This is from a book called The Cocktail Cart by my father’s friend Marty, aka Edward Bear. The protagonist is having a conversation with his friend and helper. It’s a prescription for putting one foot in front of the other, trusting that the outcome will be a good one if one’s mind is set right.
“But now, Edward, the good news is that you are actually in the process of becoming a Level One Teacher, a dispenser, if you will, of peace and of healing. The population of lonely frightened people is increasing far more rapidly than we ever imagined and we’re very short of Teachers and Healers.
. . . So what do I do now?
Go home. Rest. Know that Tommy is well. Get up in the morning, do your morning meditation, ask the Great Pumpkin or the Force or even God for direction and go about your business assuming you’ve received it. Pay attention to the odd thought or hunch that comes your way. Watch for the signs. They may come in books, in conversations with small children, on billboards – they’re everywhere.
Someone may blurt out something that sounds really dumb. Listen, especially to that.
Suit up and show up. That’s the key. The Buddhists know – Attend! Attend! . . . It’s very simple. Spread the message. Suit up and show up so you can Be There When It happens.
. . . When what happens?
Ah, how I love your stout and inquisitive heart. But for now, Good night, sweet Edward. What is it Horatio says to Hamlet when he dies? ‘May flights of angels bear thee to thy rest’ . . . That right?
I think so, said Edward.
I have watched you for a long time, said Sarah. Long before you knew of my existence. All is well. It has always been so. And always will be. Go now and see how many of faces of God you can find in the time you have remaining.”
Shantideva and Marty lived in different centuries and halfway around the globe from each other. But somehow, their words seem to carry a common theme. Set the mind, then get out there and act “as though.” That’s all.
