The Purpose of Practice: Inspiration for Living & Being Compassion, Joy & Fearlessness
From the Aro Buddhist Tradition:
“Aro teaches a way of living. Buddhism is not a set of concepts, belief system, or philosophy – but a way to change our experience of the world and our actions in it.”
“The Path out of the Maze
“Religious, political, and ethical ideologies; psychological theories; fashionable ideas of how to live – may only add to our confusion. It is not possible to resolve our dilemmas through conceptual understanding.
“The way out of the maze begins with non-conceptual experience – and that we can only find through meditation [which can be engaged in many different forms: loud or silent, still or moving, gentle or vigorous, group or solitary, or anything in between]. In meditation we discover what we are like in the dynamic space which exists before thoughts and conceptual complexity arise. We learn to experience the impossible polarities we find there without the accustomed knee-jerk reactions. We realise that the forced choices with which we have been confronted were false: the reason we cannot adhere to either side of a polarisation is that our fundamental nature is undivided.
“We can allow both sides of every polarity to exist within ourselves. We can then manifest paradoxes: ferocious compassion, dignified exuberance, joyful hopelessness, realistic reverence, honourable deviousness, light-hearted resolution, violent grace, affable opposition, and humorous heroism.
"The Way of Being
“Beyond blind consumption and the fruitless search for our ‘true life mission’, we discover usefulness: the desire and ability to help others as opportunities arise – without furore, fuss, or furtiveness. We discover genuine audacity, honesty, civility, loyalty, and persistence.
“Beyond hope and fear we discover inspired commitment: the confidence and determination to do what needs to be done, regardless of the outcome.
“Beyond faith and scepticism we discover curiosity: a sense of wonder at the vastness, beauty, and intricacy of the phenomenal world.
“Beyond conformity and rebellion we discover authenticity: making choices based on accurate perception of circumstances – rather than anxiety with regard to the possible reactions of others.
“Beyond hedonism, asceticism, and ‘sensible’ moderation we discover the possibility of enjoying all circumstances immoderately. We do not have to consume extraordinary treats to find joy and delight. We do not have to reject sensual pleasure to discover enlightenment. We do not have to measure out our lives with teaspoons to live with dignity and honour.
“Beyond ideas that we are special or ordinary, we discover gallantry. We relate to all people with respect, decency, and grace. We utilise whatever personal qualities we may have delightedly in service of others.
“Beyond indulgence in victim rôles—and fantasies of triumph over others—we discover generosity. We can give without feeling impoverished because we have confidence in our own resources. We cheerfully manifest courtesy, care, and reliability.
“Beyond conceptual codes of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ we discover pure appropriateness – the natural presence of compassion that animates appreciation. We have the playful courage to act spontaneously, effectively, and outrageously for the benefit of all.
“Beyond sanctimony and cynicism we discover reality: a willingness and ability to see the world as it is, rather than as we wish it was or fear it may be.
“Beyond religious dogma and ‘scientific’ nihilism we discover awe. Beyond all polarities, and beyond the fundamental duality at their root, we glimpse the ultimate nature of being.”