During morning rush hour and afternoon traffic jams, we sit anxiously in our cars as the freeways become a giant parking lot. From small cubicles in high-rise buildings, we stare blankly at our computer terminals, as the clock ticks away. We often feel trapped and search for a way out of this life. Where do we find a peaceful place to dwell amidst the concrete jungle of today’s world? Where do we look for peace and quiet amidst the noise of today’s society? As we hustle and bustle aimlessly through life, the gentle touch of a spring breeze and the warmth of the summer sun seem to be eons away.
According to Buddhist texts, we should not seek to dwell on form, sound, smell, taste, touch, or in the things we perceive because all things in existence, material or immaterial, are subject to decay and destruction. As time progresses, our bodies will weaken; as we grow older, our health will deteriorate. The condition of our houses will dissipate with time, and repairs will be as constant as the passing years. Our wealth will increase or decrease depending on the ever-changing economy; and our love will fade, because nothing lasts forever. Since everything is impermanent, where should our bodies and minds take abode?
Throughout the history of Buddhism, many eminent monks have taken drastic steps in search of true peace and quiet. The second patriarch of the Chan School was willing to sacrifice one of his arms for the sake of finding a way to calm his body and mind. The sixth patriarch rediscovered his true Buddha Nature and attained enlightenment when he finally gained insight into the truth behind “finding one’s nature by not dwelling in anything.” Therefore, true peace and quiet will only come about when we are not deliberately seeking a place to dwell in the material or immaterial. Only when we have achieved peace of mind will our lives be fulfilled and happy. Once a reporter asked President Truman how he could remain so calm under pressure, and the president replied, “It is because I have a safe harbor in my heart.”
The problem with people today is that they insist on finding their abode in greed, hatred and ignorance. They feel agitated and unsettled because their lives are full of worry and insecurity. Instead of following the right path to a carefree life, they choose to dwell on gossip and scandals. They enjoy taking advantage of others and ignoring the truth behind the saying, “What goes around comes around.” Everyday they spend countless hours looking for ways to satisfy their insatiable desires, without realizing that true happiness lies in simple contentment. Every night, they lie awake, in fear of their own karma, not knowing that the only way to a life without worry is to understand the law of cause and effect.
What then is the path to a life of peace and quiet? We should give ourselves to society and work to benefit our fellow human beings. We should find our abode in the Law of Nature, and respect the lives of other living beings.
We must not go against nature and the workings of karma. We must dwell in loving-kindness, compassion, shared joy, and equanimity. Only in ultimate Truth will harmony and tranquility prevail. The Buddha taught us, “Our thoughts are like swift currents, and our minds are thus unsettled.” Ordinary people abide in the five senses; sages abide in purity and the joy of the Dharma. However, the bodhisattvas make their abode where there are no doubts or defilements, and consider it their duty and responsibility to benefit others.
Therefore, in seeking peace and quiet, we must not only have a good environment for our physical bodies, we must also have a pure abode for our minds. We must establish a good relationship with our neighbors and urge the improvement of our social customs. We must strengthen our education system and promote understanding of our culture. We must instill family values and advocate morality by way of religious practice. Only when our bodies are at case and our minds at peace will our lives be truly satisfying and fulfilled.
