'What Would Buddha Do?' is a good question
Many of you have been aware of the immensely popular movement to get us all to act exactly as Jesus would act in all of life's situations.
The movement began decades ago with a little book called, "In His Steps," which browbeat readers to always stop and consider what Jesus would do in every situation.
This controversial movement, which ultimately wants to control the entire population in Jesus' name, has been resurrected in the past years and aimed mainly at children. The big item that has driven the movement is a tiny, inexpensive bracelet with the letters "WWJD" imprinted on the wristband. Of course, this means, "What Would Jesus Do?"
These little bracelets have been enormously popular. At first teen-agers bought them, and now they are being purchased by children in elementary grades. No one knows how committed the children are to the idea that one must consider Jesus in every situation. But it is a sure thing that the bracelets are a big hit.
In addition to making a fashion statement, believers can have their bracelets in other denominational flavors. The first is Buddhist; a cloth bracelet carries the letters "WWBD" on the wristband. But others are surely to follow. Wait for the religion of your choice.
Thankfully, along with this Buddhist bracelet comes a book, "What Would Buddha Do" (Seastone Press, $15), that covers situations in which Buddha was allegedly involved -- not life-threatening situations, but the little problems that plague all people. For instance, over the summer you may have consumed too many beers and bratwurst and gained a few pounds.
The question is: What would Buddha do about dieting? And the answer comes from a biography of the Buddha, Buddhacharita 12.97-99:
"Buddha, having emaciated himself for no reason in cruel self-abuse, realized that this was not the way to peace, or knowledge, or liberation One who ruins the body can never gain awakening."
Of course, this does not mean that a person should strive to gain weight daily. But considering the statues we see in Buddhist temples, it's a sure thing that Buddha enjoyed food. Perhaps that is the secret: If you are going to gain weight anyway, at least enjoy the food and eat in a mindful way.
The next question is: What would Buddha do when facing a crisis? The answer comes from the text of Jatakamala 14.11:
"Throw away your pitiful apathy and act boldly in this crisis! A wise person shows energy and resolve; success is in your power, no matter what."
This brief piece of advice sounds like something from a fortune cookie. The key is to face reality, recognize the crisis and act boldly. The ineffective person drifts mindlessly through a crisis and is sorry forever.
Of course, in this violent world we must consider road rage. The scripture of Dhammapada 222 tells us what Buddha would say about road rage:
"Those who can control their rising anger as a driver controls a vehicle, those are good drivers; others only hold the reins."
The other day, I discovered myself driving 80 mph in a 55 mph zone. I was not angry, but simply anxious to arrive home. Did the people I passed experience road rage? Was I doing more than just holding the steering wheel?
There are so many other questions that we could ask Buddha. One is: Would Buddha get angry with fools? And the answer is: Of course not. The Bodhicharyavatara tells us, "Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns."
But of course, this does not mean that ordinary men and women will not be angered by fools. Just the other day, I was angered by a fool and told him to leave my presence. He left and now there are no fools in my life, for a day.
Fools are not my only concern, however. I am worried about people who drink too much coffee, much like Buddha, who according to "What Would Buddha Do" suggested that, "Our country is full of sickly looking, skinny people, just because we don't drink tea. Whenever people feel weak, they should drink tea."
Just this morning, I heard a report that tea drinking is more of a habit now than coffee drinking. This was a great relief to me, and now I will brew myself some green tea and relax.
Clark D. Morphew
10-2-99
