Sitting at the park today while the little man plays with a couple of kids he just met. I’ve always found it completely wonderful how children have this ability. At the same time, I can’t help but be baffled by how as adults, more often than not it seems, we somehow lose this ability. There is an old saying that goes something like ‘put kids in a sandbox and they’ll play together regardless of race, gender, religion, or anything. It’s not until outside influences come in do they begin to care or see differences.’
Our children can re-teach us a lot about equanimity.
The following is an article I wrote for the recent issue of Buddha’s Light Magazine of Los Angeles. BLMLA is a bi-monthly newsletter available at Hsi Lai temple that I am fortunate to be involved with. ————————
As we celebrate the end of 2011, many of us will work to try and make New Year resolutions. At times, these can be beneficial, and others, we add a layer of unnecessary stress and worry to our lives. Statistically, we as humans do not have a great track record of keeping these resolutions. I have read that upwards of 80% of those that attempt New Year resolutions fail.
When we take a step back from all of this as Buddhists, one realizes we can look to our precepts as resolutions that help us year-round. Upon accepting the 5 Precepts, one makes the commitment to:
The First Precept Is to Refrain from Killing
The Second Precept Is to Refrain from Stealing
The Third Precept Is to Refrain from Sexual Misconduct
The Fourth Precept Is to Refrain from Lying
The Fifth Precept Is to Refrain from Consuming Intoxicants
As Venerable Master Hsing Yun says:
“Observing the five precepts is a lifetime undertaking, and not something one does for only twenty-four hours. The five precepts can be undertaken and observed all at once or done so in stages. We can select the one or two precepts that are the easiest to observe, according to our own situation, and then we can practice the precepts more diligently with three or four, till we gradually reach the full five precepts.”
I think it is crucial to note a key point Venerable Master Hsing Yun makes in this statement, “according to our own situation”. When I took the precepts, I worked to observe all five of them at once. This was years ago, and it is still something that keeps my practice going, and something that needs constant work.
In the simplest of terms, the precepts can even mean:
Instead of killing that spider in your bathroom, catch it and let it outside.
Before taking the last helping of a meal, ask others in your household if they mind.
Staying true to your partner and not looking for love elsewhere.
Being truthful about accomplishing what one needs to do around the home.
Not having a drink when others may be during dinner.
Over time I have understood they can be observed differently according to your life. They may even change how you practice them when your own life changes. But, when practiced with diligence and sincerity, the 5 Precepts are really steps on the path to freedom for our delusions. What better resolution can you take than working towards that.
This past weekend, the little man had his Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby race. This is an extremely fun event that we’ve looked forward to since last year. Each year, he draws out his plans for the shape of the car, then using a saw and a Dremel (borrowed from my friend Tony) we work on cutting out his racer:
Next is a lot of sanding. He does all of this by hand. I feel it is really important for him to do a lot of the design and work, part of the experience is learning to take pride in the work you put into something. If he designs and helps build a car, then sees his own creation race down the track he can see the results of his own effort.
Next, the little man paints his car. His latest obsession love is LEGO Ninjago, so of course he designed a paint job around that theme. It turned out great too.
Last, he and I work on the wheels and axles. I’m not going to give away any trade secrets here, but let’s just say it is all about ensuring the least amount of resistance when speeding down the track.
Here is a great shot of him and Momma on our way to the races.
Weighing in, adding just the right amount of weight to ensure maximum speed
Ready to check the car in. Once it’s checked in, the pit crew can no longer touch the car!
We had a great time watching his car speed down the track. He won every race he was in!!! Watch him leave the competition in the dust
After round 1, he was a very happy man
We enjoyed watching each race, seeing his efforts continue to speed past other racers. And, at the end of the rounds, he had 1st place in his age group!
and 4th place overall!!!
He even received a nice ribbon for all his hard work.
The Pinewood Derby was a great event again this year and we are looking forward to next year’s race.
Here is a link to the full set of pictures, and a few more videos:
