REFLECTION JUNE 16

CARING FOR BODY - "to care for this body gently, respectfully and with minimal technological interference."

I remember the first time I read the passage above the phrase, “with minimal
technological interference” jumped out at me.  “Am I getting involved with a
bunch of Jehovah’s Witnesses?” I asked.  Can I no longer give, or receive
blood products?  How about x-rays for my teeth?  Is that within the minimal
limits?  As usual, Buddhist Sutra’s are not clear.  They are purposely
“elusive” so the reader must work at understanding them.  Through the
efforts of working at their meaning you actually internalize the message.
Very clever these Buddhists!

At this point in my development, this passage means that we should avoid
technological things that will distract from our practice.  Things that will
cloud whatever clarity we have acquired over the years.  What things might
fall into this category?  I expect things like steroids or weight training
so we can beef up, face lifts so we can look younger, or the ever popular
penis enlargements promised in the daily e-mails we receive.  Certain
technological choices represent grasping.  Our “want” for an unrealistic
ideal.  These have the effect of shrouding us in an illusion of permanence.
If we minimalize them, we are creating more room within our conscious for
constructive thoughts, rather than falling into the trap of spending
valuable CPU time feeding our ego.  Bad ego!

Don