this article is extremely harsh towards the styles of Buddhism that have been brought to North America. I understand, to a point, that they are watered down versions of Buddhist orthodoxy, but the people who pick up these books at indigos and Barnes & Nobles are not going to be particularly familiar with any Buddhist thoughts. They probably won’t feel encouraged by particularly difficult texts or unrelatable analogies, but being “present” and aware when washing the dishes is a completely attainable thing – which can help that person in the moment to stop fretting about their next task, or get caught up in their stories. And when they see the value in Buddhism-lite, maybe they will go pursue deeper teachings. Or seek out teachers & gurus.
I’ve always remembered my teacher in Nepal saying that while we as Buddhists may feel discouraged seeing our spiritual guides and aids as hokey mindless items, we should be grateful that we have all this “free publicity.” And honestly, I enjoy the fact that I can walk into a local gift shop and get a Buddha pen to use at work. It does actually help me stay present, which is extremely difficult when you are at work. I see the Buddha pen and remember some mantras and that I shouldn’t get caught up in work dramas or things I cannot change.
Choosing a laypersons life is something I have done, and these watered down versions of dharma help me immensely when I shift from work to parent to wife to daughter to friend, etc. and I’m grateful someone thinks that we can have a moment of enlightenment when washing the dishes.
Anyway, my teacher in Nepal told me that you have a moment of enlightenment when you orgasm (also fall asleep, sneeze), so that means my husband had a moment of enlightenment this morning but I did not. And I don’t think that’s true at all. I feel as though I too have been very present in my morning, despite not getting off.
