Class # 9

This class reflected the opposite of mindfulness.  We discussed how ignorance leads to suffering.  The example was given that a wise man worries about causes, while the fool worries about the result.  Looking at more modern examples, we talked about global warming, and how our inaction as well as denial can have significant effect on the world around us.  Another example centered around relationships, and how marriages can fail because the  participants focus on the symptoms of their problems, but not the causes, as well as losing sight of the original connection.

These examples lead to a discussion on interdependence.  Life exists as a series of cycles in which one cause leads to the next effect.  That effect becomes the cause, leading to the next effect, and so on.  No understanding that cycle can cause continual repetition and suffering.  Understanding can allow one to break negative cycles.  The path to understanding comes through meditation and mindfulness.

We were reminded of the culture and history surrounding the original Buddha.  At the time, India had four rigid castes.  The position of where you were born determined your position in life.  Buddha taught that there are no classes and sought to have everybody treated as equal brothers and sisters.