Think “Thank You”
This is the time of year when we traditionally think “Thank
you.” Often, though not exclusively, these thank
you’s are for the material things we have gained. But there is a
traditional kindness chant that can extend our thank you’s in profound ways, extend our thank you’s so that we ourselves, those around us, and the world in
which we live feel our thank you’s in
each and every moment.
For this practice to be effective, we must first believe
that the chant is true and then chant it often enough so that it arises
spontaneously when unwholesome impulses and temptations arise as well as when
wholesome and beneficial events and conditions arise.
If we chant it enough times, it will arise spontaneously and
seemingly of its own accord. But first we need to develop an airtight logical
explanation for the chant. Actually, several lines of reasoning is better.
Here’s the chant:
Each and
every living being is supreme kind to me.
This will only work if you believe it. No exceptions. This
isn’t about an act being kind or not, it is about our perspective on that act.
If someone gives me something I want, I can see it as kind in that it gives me
the opportunity to be grateful and generous in receiving it. If someone does
something mean to me, I can see it as kind in that it gives me the opportunity
to be patient and to see beyond the superficiality of the act to the underlying
suffering that motivated the person to act in that way.
Contemplating this, we discover several lines of reasoning
we can use. One, regardless of what someone does to me, I can consider it kind
because it is an opportunity for me to strengthen my practice and grow
spiritually. If someone does something nasty to me, for example, I can see it
as kind because it gives me an opportunity to practice patience. If someone
does something particularly nice to me, I can see it as a kindness because it
gives me the opportunity to practice humility and modesty.
A second line of reasoning suggests that our basic nature,
everything that we think, say and do, is an attempt to end some level of
suffering we perceive in ourselves. Understanding that everything we do is
about ending some level of discomfort or suffering in us, we soon come to
realize that everything everyone does is an act to end their suffering–not necessarily
wise or well-reasoned–but an attempt to end their suffering nonetheless.
If all that “they” are doing is attempting to end their
suffering, why would I view this as anything but an opportunity for me to
practice compassion toward them. Nothing else would seem reasonable. This
doesn’t mean I necessarily condone the act, just that my perspective is to see
that they are trying, even if unwisely, trying through what they have done to
relieve suffering and so it is kind insofar as it allow me to be compassionate
under duress.
On a deeply spiritual level, being everything is inherently
empty of meaning and value from its own side, I get to decide whether something
done to me is good or bad by the way I choose to perceive it. Therfore, if I
get to define “duress” in my life, then why don’t I stopped defining things as
stressful find another perspective that makes them all as kindnesses?
Believing this chant gives me an outlook that prevents me
from getting anxious or angry, fearful or threatened. And that outlook is the
framework that my mind can use to stay stable in the face of difficulties, even
very great difficulties.
If I can know deeply and understand the chant Each and every living being is supreme kind to me,
my intention in each moment will have me do the very best I can with the
conditions in front of me. Knowing that I always do the very best I can with
what’s happening, I can remain calm with any event or outcome. I can stay
positive and without recrimination and guilt when the outcome is other than
anticipated. If the outcomes aren’t appropriate, then I can course correct,
finding better and new strategies for dealing with the same or similar
situations in the future.
Realizing this, that I had, and do always do my best, I
remain patient, compassionate and generous, to myself and others. My self-image
stays clean and clear and positive without arrogance or conceit. Further, when
I generalize this to all other beings, when I realize that no matter how
unreasonable or terribly someone may act, they are doing the best they can, my
intention will reset me to being kind, patient and compassionate and generous.
Assuming I believe this chant, then I will interpret and
filter new information from my senses though intentional structures that lead
me to positive wholesome thoughts, speech and action. In fact, they lead me to
see the world as a kind place, supportive of me who is making his best effort.
The more I practice, the more grateful I become, the more thankful I am for
being here, now, connected to everyone and everything.
When I realize that each and every living being is supremely
kind to me, I become one with the cooperative underpinnings of the universe. I
have no regrets. I have nothing but thank
you’s. And the world has nothing but thank
you’s.
For all of your readership, practice, and support this year, a deep bow of gratitude and a thank you.
