The Buddhists believe that we, the people of the earth, are not separate entities. That the idea that we are separate entities is a psychological constructs that causes suffering.
Some facets of theoretical physics support this idea. Since we are all made of the same stuff on a sub atomic level, we cannot therefore be separate.
These are ideas that I am very comfortable with. The idea that while I have skin that separates me from those around me, we are not really separate.
This idea comes with a certain amount of responsibility as far as I'm concerned, and I wonder if this is why people reject the idea.
If my behavior affects those around me, then I am responsible to behave in a way to minimize their discomfort. Now, in fairness, some people will tell you that EVERY THING people do makes them uncomfortable. I also feel it's the responsibility of the individual to look inside themselves and work out why they are uncomfortable and take a responsibility for their reactions.
It would be great, in my opinion if people took these theories to heart. I think people would be more responsible.
If people really internalized the idea that their behavior affected others on a visceral, emotional level would they be more thoughtful in their actions? I would hope so.
Would you steal from someone if you understood the feeling of violation that followed that? Really understood it? What if you had to live with that feeling as a consequence?
Would you cut people off in traffic if you had to feel the frustration that behavior produces?
Would the internal drivers that produce the urge to drink to excess, use illicit drugs, over eat, and otherwise self abuse be as strong if people understood the worry, pain, anguish and grief these things cause in those that love them? I would hope not.
I admit to being confused as to why people don't get this.
I'm very well aware that if I decide to go out and pick a fist fight and get my ass handed to me and end up in the hospital that affects my family. It affects everyone who knows me.
Have you ever gotten a call that a friend has been the victim of violence? What did that call do to your insides? Did you sleep well that night? Were you able to focus on the next day?
I cannot do those things. I'm up all night and blurry the next day.
Maybe I'm just a worrier.
I have three cousins who are police officers. Every time I see a cruiser fly by me with lights flashing I worry about the three of them. Even though they are fully functional grown men with years of experience, I get a very clear picture of what would happen to my family if they were injured or god forbid, killed.
I feel the anguish of my best friend whose oldest child has a feeding disorder and doesn't eat.
I feel, on a visceral level my sister's frustration over her career.
I feel my brother's joy at the prospect of a new son.
They feel my grief at the loss of my nephew. They feel it. Maybe not as strong as my own, but it's there. It affects them.
So since what I feel affects them, and what they feel affects me, why then would I ever go out and put myself at risk? I'm also putting them at risk, since we are not separate.
What would the world be like if everybody was Buddhist? Or at least used this philosophy as a guide post for actions? Maybe there wouldn't be war. Could you kill a man if you had to feel his mother's grief?
Would there be rape?
Would there be the victimization of the poor?
Hell, would people be more inclined to smile more?
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