The Nature Of Reality - Verse Forty

Construction impregnates the mind with seeds of delusion,
bringing about the misery of samsara.
The fulfilled opens the door of wisdom
to the realm of suchness.

There are three modes of perceptions - things-in-themselves (suchness), representations and mere images.  The field of representations and mere images are incorrect modes of perception.

In samsara, we mostly dwell in the field of representations and use inference and testimony (words of others) frequently. Inference is not always accurate neither is testimony.

Inference can only always be accurate if we know everything. Since we don't know everything, inference frequently turns out incorrect. United States went to war with Iraq suspecting them of possessing nuclear weapons. It turned out that Iraq didn't possess any. Similarly, numerous locations in Afghanistan were targeted under the impression that Osama Bin Laden was hiding there. As it turned out, America's trusted ally Pakistan was home to Osama. Do you see how speculation causes suffering? Must we speculate on who hit the MH17? We may end up causing two nations (Ukraine and Russia) to suffer. We are so given to speculation, we are unable to stop. On the other hand, helpless American citizens are taken for a ride by the banks and loan servicers in America. Poor students have to pay high interest rates to raise educational loans. People would like fair wages and equal pay.

We do the same at an individual level. If we pay attention to reality and recognize sufferings and work towards resolutions, we can be happier. Living in a 'constructed' world can only cause suffering.

The true mind can see through the constructs. It can see that conflict strengthens enmity. It prolongs difficult times. It can see through the eyes of interbeing that conflict does not benefit either. Russia must see that too much of NATO involvement in its neighborhood is not very good for it. Ukraine should understand that they cannot move their nation to a different location and that they have to live with Russians. So both should be willing to talk and resolve the situation amicably. Speculation causes strife between neighbors. True mind realizes this and is able to touch reality. We have to constantly look through the eyes of interbeing. We can be happy when others are happy.

Why don't the rich construct homes for themselves right in the middle of a ghettos? Why do the rich want to live in posh neighborhoods? Because they seek peace and convenience which comes from living in a 'good' neighborhood which comes from those who make up the neighborhood. If instead of moving to expensive neighborhoods we helped our neighbors, there would be no ghettos. When we see through the true mind, we can understand this. If the rich move to ghettos, using their wealth they could transform these neighborhoods. They would make a lot of new friends and spread much joy.

If we are guided by the five mindfulness trainings, we can build happy communities.

(Based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.)

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