[2025 Aug DCTB Mindfulness Tip]
In an attempt to make sense of ourselves, the world, and our place within it, we often seek to know “why.” This retrospective analysis results in only a temporary egoic satisfaction. If we look at any situation long enough, the reasoning we came up with for why things are the way they are unravels. In the unraveling, we usually become tangled in regret and anger. Then we come up with another explanation of why things had to be that way, which again provides temporary relief. This repetitive process leads us on a long, complicated journey of rehashing painful past events that often lands us in more confusion and delusion than we started.
Yet the consideration of why is not without merit. It is actually an important part of the practice of Trikaya Buddhism when approached properly. The exploration of why is a doorway into deep Contemplation. When we catch ourselves asking why, it’s helpful to reframe the question to: “What is happening? How does it work?”
We cannot change the past, nor can we ever fully understand it. There are simply too many variables for our mind to grasp. However, if we look at what is arising within us right now, we can contemplate and uncover the attachments that are causing suffering. When we notice a recurring mental or physical pattern, or when we feel stuck, it is an invitation to sit in contemplation.
While it can be painful to reveal the wounds beneath these repeating patterns, bringing them into the light of awareness is what heals them. We do this by thinking through the events and reactions or writing about them in a journal for a set amount of time, or by talking with a trusted friend or therapist. The technique is to keep the focus on the pattern, and peel back the layers contributing to that pattern. Instead of losing ourselves in the indulgence of “Why is this happening to me?” we ask, “What is happening? How is my mind working with these thoughts and feelings?” We seek to know what is blocking our innate joy.
Setting a timer for this intense excavation allows us to give our complete attention to the task. We may require several sessions to unravel all the aspects of the situation. Once the pre-set time is over, drop the topic of contemplation with an agreement to return to it at a future appointment. Performing a physical activity can help end the session and move your attention into the present.
The main issue that causes suffering is usually buried deep under other ideas, feelings, beliefs and prior experiences. Instead of satisfying the ego with a quick explanation, we must be willing to look past the blame, the guilt, the anger, the conditioning, and finally the desire for things to be other than they are. It’s tempting to skip ahead to some sort of resolution that we can live with. However, if we don’t fully examine each layer of the onion and discover how we get hung up on it, the pattern and corresponding despondency will return. Allow your mind to travel through the tangents, and continue to return to the main topic, the wound that causes suffering. Let the light of your awareness burn away the pain.
Examine it carefully from every angle. Is the wound you identified the source? Or is that pain the result of a deeper laceration? What is making it hurt now? How is past interacting with the present? What is pulling you? What is demanding your attention?
Our study of Reality will eventually lead to the understanding that life simply Is. Or as Ramesh Balsekar stated: “Everything happens altogether by itself. The shadow of causation can never be caught because all things and events are merely interconnected differentiations in form of a single, unified field.”
Again, there’s the temptation to skip ahead. Intellectually understanding Life Simply Is doesn’t relieve our suffering. Telling ourselves it doesn’t matter because we are innate joy does not resolve the hold of whatever “it” is. We must have the actual realization of Truth. This comes about by being willing to honestly see all of reality – not just the parts that agree with the current view of our ego.
Once this realization is recognized, it is not an excuse to abdicate all responsibility for our actions going forward. Rather, having insight into the spontaneous arising of Existence reveals the movement of Dharma. At the same time, it highlights even the most subtle attachments that keep us bound to a cycle of suffering.
In Dharma flow, there is no question. There is only the expression of Light as Love without any expectation or clinging. We are natural, spontaneous movement within the vast stillness. We face problems and difficulties as they arise, doing what needs to be done without reservation.
When there is resistance, when we get caught in the endless question of Why, we accept the invitation. We stop and contemplate. And in the process, another layer of connection is revealed. Another aspect of restriction loosens and naturally falls away. We once again see the mysterious dance of creation and destruction.
This beautiful and powerful practice of contemplation is not always easy. However it is worth the effort. Along with meditation and mindfulness, contemplation leads to a bright and joyous life. To learn more, join us at Dharma Center of Trikaya Buddhism.
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