God would still get a headache I thought a while ago meditating. All those people who knock on
his door with their problems, wishes and desires and beg for help and strength because
they often no longer see a way out in the problems and the suffering they are
facing. All those questions from all over the world and indeed sometimes a
thank you. I do not know if there is balance in that. That's why I think of
headaches.
The story
of a monk during a teaching at the Buddhist University reappeared in my head.
Why wouldn’t I share it?
In need
you learn to pray is sometimes said. During that lesson it came to the
difference in prayer to God and Buddha. The monk shared a nice story with the
group that appealed to me very much.
You must
know that Buddhism, unlike often said, is not a religion. As a basis there is
no God in it. The Buddha is a very distinguished teacher, a former prince, and
his father and mother are King and Queen. He was not the first monk at all. He
was born 543 years before Christ. There where Christ is also a very important
teacher but is seen as the son of God.
It
appeared, the group consisted mainly of people who had ever been baptized. The
subject, especially because I am also quite active in the church here in
Thailand, seemed interesting to me. After all, good to know and respect
different perspectives. It makes the world more colorful as far as I am
concerned.
He
started to ask us if we knew why a Buddha in the temple always has his eyes open.
Well then at that moment nobody knew the correct answer.
He
continued: "If you go to church and talk to your God there, then you are
usually dealing with that God. In the trend of "Help me with this",
"Please give me that" and so on. And often there is also a sentence
"If you help me with this or that then I will do … in return." It
looks like doing a kind of business with your God."
Here in
Thailand it is quite normal for students to visit a temple before they do an
exam. It seems just like going to church as to pray and in a way this is true.
The approach and the way is different, he said.
"If
the student would ask the Buddha: Buddha help me to pass my exam by giving the
right answers, then the Buddha looks straight at him or her. And that is why he
has his eyes open. It shows that he is at peace and in balance, but is well
aware of what’s happening in the world around him and therefore also that
student on its knees before him.
He stares
the boy or the girl in his or her eyes and tries to say penetratingly: What are
you doing here? Go home and study! I cannot help you with this. It is in your
own hands. "
Indeed,
the way of praying in Buddhism seems different to me, a way of worship that
appeals to me. It is more of a conversation with the wise teacher to gain
insight in peace, to find balance, to get rest and inner wisdom to be able to
tackle and resolve the issues as much as possible by yourself. Other than
sometimes sharing a lament or nagging for help. Something that by the way
absolutely does not have to be the way of praying to a God because, for
example, it is often also about getting the power to solve your own
difficulties.
Ah, why
would God also get a headache? Maybe as God you may not get that at all.
Praying as a conversation to gain insight and wisdom from which you yourself
can continue. A nice lesson. I think it is easier for the Buddha with less
chance of that headache.
Gangey Gruma (Frans Captijn)
Captijn Insight. Catalyst in developing tranquility & in-sight to get in a sustainable way real connection, purpose, pleasure and flow in life, love, family, business, career and work again.
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