Nope, Not Buddha Today

“There is a simple way to become a buddha: When you refrain from unwholesome actions, are not attached to birth and death, and are compassionate toward all sentient beings, respectful to seniors and kind to juniors, not excluding or desiring anything, with no designing thoughts or worries, you will be called a buddha. Do not seek anything else.”

Dogen on “Birth and Death”

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Well, no Buddha I. I’m pretty good at the “avoiding unwholesome actions” I think. But sure, I’m attached to life. Try to be compassionate to all sentient beings, but have to admit to having serious antipathy for tobacco executives, who I consider lower than crack dealers. Kind to children, but…I’m afraid I have designing thoughts and words as well, but they are growing more and more “unconscious competence” by far than when I was a sprout.

Long way from the end of this road, but the journey certainly is fascinating.

Just as a thought experiment, what does this mean in practical terms? I can offer thoughts.

The “M.A.G.I.C.” formula is about getting “in the game” of life. If you have good Models, take Action, have Gratitude, a clear Intent, and Confidence in your abilities and right to succeed you can leverage your strengths to actually own your life. There are infinite additional improvements and modifications on this, like the Burchard “High Performance Six” (Clarity, Energy, Necessity, Productivity, Influence, Courage). These principles are very fine, very powerful. And…