Friday, April 07, 2006

Opinions


The one who wanders independent in the world, free from opinions and viewpoints, does not grasp them and enter into disputations and arguments. As the lotus rises on its stalk unsoiled by the mud and the water, so the wise one speaks of peace and is unstained by the opinions of the world.

(Sutta Nipata)
Comment: I don't think the Buddha intended that we live our lives without having opinions at all. I think the point is not to be stained (or constrained) by them in such a way that your opinions and viewpoints compromise your ability to live treat others with compassion and lovingkindness. I think of people being so consumed by the passion of their opinions that they are blinded by them, unable to think independently and exercise sound judgment. Opinions and viewpoints should be treated like other products of thought, and we should be in full control of them, rather than controlled by them.
Peace to you all. Love one another.

1 comment:

They call him James Ure said...

Well said.

I am very engaged with politics.

However, I need to be reminded to not attach to my opinions and keep compromising with others.

Thanks for the reminder dear friend.