creating conditions
Thursday, 23. July 2009, 12:36:32
The special Olympics are coming to Leicester.
It seems to me that the majority of people in England watch sports rather than get out and do it - and in the spiritual domain, it seems to me that more people are 'interested' in learning about Buddhism rather than practicing or Doing it. What we seem to have are fans of an elite class of athletes in the world of sport, and a lot of interest and questions to a select group - not an elite, exclusive or chosen group, but a group that is willing to commit to a life of doing Buddhism as a full-time endeavour. In other words, we've got Buddhist inquisitors rather than Buddhist enthusiasts. To be enthused is to be moved spiritually by an 'other' power. The root of enthusiasm is theos which etymologically means 'God' and God - well let's just say it's another word for 'Other-power'. To allow Other-power to take over would equate to being enthusiastic. Enthusiasm just like faith or intention to act needs direction. I sort of wonder what society would look like if more people played sports and/or open their hearts to an 'Other-power'.
Just as love needs an object, so too, does enthusiasm need expression and for expression to be meaningful it must be witnessed, and if another human isn't around, then God or Buddha will do. To create conditions so that individuals or groups can express their love is what the special olympics have done and will be witnessed by participants and supporters. The message is moving - anyone can be an enthusiast, anyone can open themselves to be moved in a way that is special, anyone can love.
It seems to me that the majority of people in England watch sports rather than get out and do it - and in the spiritual domain, it seems to me that more people are 'interested' in learning about Buddhism rather than practicing or Doing it. What we seem to have are fans of an elite class of athletes in the world of sport, and a lot of interest and questions to a select group - not an elite, exclusive or chosen group, but a group that is willing to commit to a life of doing Buddhism as a full-time endeavour. In other words, we've got Buddhist inquisitors rather than Buddhist enthusiasts. To be enthused is to be moved spiritually by an 'other' power. The root of enthusiasm is theos which etymologically means 'God' and God - well let's just say it's another word for 'Other-power'. To allow Other-power to take over would equate to being enthusiastic. Enthusiasm just like faith or intention to act needs direction. I sort of wonder what society would look like if more people played sports and/or open their hearts to an 'Other-power'.
Just as love needs an object, so too, does enthusiasm need expression and for expression to be meaningful it must be witnessed, and if another human isn't around, then God or Buddha will do. To create conditions so that individuals or groups can express their love is what the special olympics have done and will be witnessed by participants and supporters. The message is moving - anyone can be an enthusiast, anyone can open themselves to be moved in a way that is special, anyone can love.
WIDGETIZE