| Response:
“Do not elevate yourself and put down
others.” This Zen Buddhist precept
acknowledges our tendency to compare and to compete, and yet it also
encourages us to express our true nature as “one-with” rather than
“separate from” or “better than” or “worse than.” We react from the
false, hurting self and seek validation or escape through external
rewards won through competition: power, fame and wealth.
It is our nature to do our best, to uncover
obstacles, and to authentically realize ourselves. In Zen we say this is
the natural act of polishing a diamond. We do not need “being the best”
or “beating opponents” to harness our energy and bring us satisfaction,
although we may have been taught to believe that we do.
| | I
recently began study of Shaolin Kempo. I sometimes have thoughts such
as, “I’m definitely the worst one here” or “I’ll get my black belt
someday too.” In Zen practice, we are encouraged to honestly acknowledge
these thoughts of judging, comparing or competing, but then to return to
the kick or block or jumping jacks at hand. I re-focus on being
wholehearted about my training, developing my fitness and skills to the
best of my ability – not to mention losing some weight! If we listen
carefully, we hear our suffering when we compete, whether we win or
lose. Instead, we can find deep satisfaction in taking our place in life
just as it is in the present moment. In a
society so heavily influenced by corporatism and consumption,
competition is presented as an American value. Whatever its possible
merits, we would do well to reflect critically on the dangers. Its
“survival of the fittest” undercurrent implies that free competition has
fairly rewarded those who deserve it, and that little is owed to the
most vulnerable and disadvantaged segments of society.
Religious traditions affirm the dignity and
rights of those who have lost the competition.
- Rev. Dr. Deborah Barrett |