Beliefs 2.0
- clearstreamzendo
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
This week let’s continue the reflection on the topic of beliefs. Beliefs are thoughts that we hold as true or necessary. If a belief is not a thought, what is it? Do you have any beliefs that were true at one time that may not be true any more? How did you acquire your beliefs? In your view of the world around you, what role do beliefs play? Here a few a my thoughts on beliefs.
Beliefs add certainty to our life. I believe when I see a red signal light I should always stop. I also believe everyone should do this and if so we will all be safer. I’ll hang onto this belief. I also believe loving is better than hating and that I should cultivate love and see through and let go of the hate in myself. I also believe in the value of open curiosity. I believe in diversity. I believe in equity. I believe in inclusion. Many people believe these are a threat. How do we hold your beliefs?
Belief requires knowing ahead of time so when something happens you know what it is and means and what to do about it. If you want to create certainty in your life you will need a strong belief system. Open curiosity seems more risky and it is also more flexible and resilient.
The world around us is constantly changing and evolving. What is needed and appropriate in this culture is inappropriate and rejected in another. These differing views are based on beliefs. We acquire our beliefs from our parents, family, culture and life experience. Acquiring beliefs is as natural as learning to talk or to walk. Holding tight to beliefs is also how we create the subject object separation and a sense of self and other. This too is natural to do but is essentially untrue and subject to misuse.
Holding tight to beliefs limits our view and the reality around us. I suggest holding beliefs as long as they work and be ready to change them or let them go when they no longer work. As much as possible cultivate an openness and curiosity.
Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion of the topic for reflection blog from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Gassho,
Futai
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