Brian’s Reflection: Monday, August 27, 2007


News Item:
Krakatoa volcano erupts
Over 36,000 die.
August 27, 1883


And so it goes. Of course, the horror is breathtaking. But on the other side is the “One Never Knows” dimension of living on this still cooling planet, “failures” of medicine; consequences of technology (new ways to drill mines in China; collapses that kill many); the body’s amazing durability - then one critical thing goes wrong. Etc. Etc.

Whatever one thinks about an afterlife, I think that an afterlife cannot be substituted for this earthly life. One is not of more importance than the other. This is why some faiths believe in reincarnation - this earthly Life has to be lived completely and fully, learning what must be learned to be a human being. The Afterlife is not a substitute for Here; rather, the Afterlife is a fine tuning. To put it I computer terms, you can’t order the Upgrade if you didn’t buy the Original. Christianity got it wrong if it interprets the Afterlife as a reward for failure.

So: here is sage Buddhist advice:

Let me respectfully
remind you
Life & Death
Are of supreme importance.
Time swiftly passes by.
Opportunity is lost.
Each of us should strive
To Awaken, Awaken, Awaken.
Take heed:
Do not squander your Life.

[The evening Gatha]


Brian+