Flowing Water Never Goes Stale

"Flowing water never goes stale" is an old Chinese proverb.  This statement reflects many meanings.  The more we learn, the more we can advance.  We as humans change day to day, whether it be in mood or even on a cellular level.

The Buddha taught that we are not the person we were yesterday.  We learn, we grow, our body changes, our mind changes, etc.  Holding onto the past is attachment  to something that physically does not exist.  Ideas and attitudes are mere phenomena which hold no form. Attachment to ideas, attitudes, and expectations only creates more suffering.  When we don't get what want, what we think is right, what we think should happen, we get upset.  When something negative has happened in our past and we keep "going back" to it, that is also attachment.

The past is meant for reflection, not to be "lived-in."  It's already gone, forever.  We can definitely learn from the past, use those lessons in the present, and see what may manifest itself in the future.  A pond has many forms of algae and bacteria in it because it is stagnant. Our minds are very similar.  When we ponder and attach to things, we grow ideas and attachment, which to the mind are just as bad as bacteria and algae.  Keeping the mind fresh and moving within the moment is a way to avoid going stale and accumulating these "growths."

Even as a flowing stream encounters a rock or obstacle, it doesn't cease its movement.  Our minds and ourselves should act as such.

Lent for Rent

I'm not going to be contrasting or bashing other religions here, but the Catholic tradition of Lent is in progress right about this time. Giving up something for forty days.

So, giving up something which is not good for us, as well as spending time on "quiet reflection and contemplation".... don't we as Buddhists try to practice these same things everyday?  Well, nobody is perfect, we all have our vices, and if you were to be perfect, well...you'd be a Buddha.

Now, I respect the observation of Lent if you're going to give up something to totally rid your life of it (i.e. smoking, drinking, sexual misconduct, etc).  But many people I speak to often say, "I'm giving up chocolate" or "I'm giving up shopping" for forty days.  This kind of boggles me. Why only forty days?  Why wouldn't you want to give up a negative aspect of your life or character to get rid of it permanently?

Or better yet, practice "giving up" all year round from year to year?

 From Wiki:
"Jesus retreated into the wilderness, where he fasted for forty days, and was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-2, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-2). He overcame all three of Satan's temptations by citing scripture to the devil, at which point the devil left him, angels ministered to Jesus, and he began his ministry. Jesus further said that his disciples should fast "when the bridegroom shall be taken from them" (Matthew 9:15), a reference to his Passion. Since, presumably, the Apostles fasted as they mourned the death of Jesus, Christians have traditionally fasted during the annual commemoration of his burial."

This passage reminds me very much of when Siddhartha  (The Buddha) was meditating under the Bodhi tree and being tempted by Mara.  And this biblical passage, I believe, is to teach those who faithfully follow Christ, to resist all things worldly, day to day, year to year.  As the passage from James 4:4 reads, "A friend of the world is an enemy to God."  (Speaking of all worldly things and desires).

So am I celebrating "Lent"?  Well, I try to everyday, resisting temptations and being mindful that the things I want may have consequences, and that everything is impermanent, so I don't really need anything at all.

In the end, why not use the time to better yourself, or better the world?