2018 … different but the same
Different but the Same
How can this be?
The idea of something being different but still the same!
From the Buddhist Philosophical and Wisdom Teachings, we can appreciate that all things do change at some time or another; that any thing that is a conditioned thing is subject to impermanence and hence change.
Yet could there be that which is not such a conditioned, transient, changing thing?
Certainly, this could be related to that which is fundamental, that does not change, that which is always so; something that is always wholesome, skilful, good, right. That which in the Pali language is SAMMA (Right).
In the Buddha’s Teachings – the Buddha Dhamma, this is ‘Right View’ – SAMMA DITTHI.
Right View, as the first of the eight Path or Practice Factors for living in an Enlightened Way, leading to Spiritual Enlightenment – Ultimate Freedom; is always ‘right’, wholesome, clear and wise.
No matter what the situation or circumstance is, Right View is always Right View.
No matter who is viewing, seeing or perceiving, if it is seen with Right View it is always Right View.
No matter what the object or thing being viewed is, if it is seen with Right View it is always Right View.
The various things of our life, mental, emotional, physical and material certainly will change. The various situations and circumstances of our life will change.
Our life which involves the continual passing moments, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years, all do come and go, passing with the passage of time.
However, all this and all these, can be seen, perceived and viewed with Right View.
A clear, wise, Right View will see all these things the same. We will see and work with that which passes always in the same way, with Right View.
There is something wonderful, peaceful and reassuring in this.
No matter what arises or passes it can be seen with the unchanging Right View of wisdom and care.
As our old year 2017 passes our new year 2018 arises.
Let’s see, perceive and view this year with the unchanging same Right View; with Mindfulness and Wisdom, Compassion and Care, an opportunity for seeing the Truth of things and Realising Freedom.
May you journey well into our New Year 2018.
Kind Regards
John B.
