Thoughts on the present, past and future

Thoughts on the past, present and future

We are often advised to live in the present moment and not think about the lapsed past and the yet to come future. At any one moment in time, there are overlapping circles of the past, the present and the anticipated future. The past cannot be changed, but lessons can be learnt and a better present and future could result. Dwelling on regrets and remorse is unproductive. Wishing things went differently is “wishful” thinking.

There is another aspect of recollecting the past that could be of benefit. The past has not only bad memories but many good ones. Reflecting selectively on the pleasant ones will bring a smile to your face, and is free of charge! You can indulge in playback of happy events in visual,  auditory forms with associated emotions which give you enjoyment. 

Thinking of the future is essential for safe and meaningful living. It often requires good decisions based on past experience and present conditions. What is not productive is to speculate on every possibility leading to paralysis of decision making and bad outcomes.

By all means accept that the present moment is the only one accessible now but it does not follow that reflecting on the past and on the anticipatory future is worthless - it is quite the opposite, it helps to make best use of the current moment.

A Point of View on why Sri Lanka has failed

I have a very controversial theory of why Sri Lanka has failed. A misunderstanding and misinterpretation of Buddhism has led to a self-serving and dangerously detached attitude where personal development in a material sense does not matter at all. What matters is a healthy accumulation of merit, or “ping”, to ensure that your next birth is comfortable. This also goes with an attitude of superiority over other beliefs and a self-centred view of what is good. Christians do far more charitable activities (may not always be for the right reasons) than Buddhists, who spend a fair amount of time, money and effort on monks and temples and on insurance for the after life.. 

 I know these views are very controversial, but I am constantly reminded by devout Sinhalese Buddhists how special they are when they manage to find time to speak to you between temple visits and pandering to Buddhist priests. I hasten to add that this is NOT a criticism of Buddhism. Methta Karuna Muditha are central concepts and service to fellow human beings follow these like the shadow follows  the ox. 

 Here is my final thought. Just imagine the impact it would make if Buddhist priests talked more about helping fellow countrymen by working hard, sharing their wealth and spending more of their time to see a happier and more equal society rather than harping on giving up attachments and spending time trying to attain the "ultimate bliss of Nirvana" which is wholly centred around the non-existent "self".

People would also realise that this life matters because you can do so many things to help others who are less fortunate. We must use our skills and resources to help build a safer and better society, not retreat into a forest or temple to help ourselves. Material good matters because food, shelter, housing, and health care cannot improve without investment and collective effort. Stop worrying about your next birth or Nirvana and do a better job of the current one, not just for you but for as many fellow travellers as possible