A time for SELF-REFLECTION - 911

This particular piece of article (shown below)is one of the few which I wrote for “Pattra” a newsletter of the NTU Buddhist Society and Alumni back in 2001 September-December issue. 911 is here once more! I can’t help but post it up here to remind myself and those who might have the chance to read this post, to do self-reflection once in awhile for it really works wonder..

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As destruction’s dust settled on USA tragedy that took place on the fateful day - -11th of September, it blanked not only one nation but also all of humanity in a mourning shroud. Hearts indeed break worldwide over the untraceable losses. The attack of the World Trade Centre in New York City in USA had shed some light in reminding us once again that things were not perpetual and the fragility of our fleeting existence. What must we do differently? What needs to be changed about our attitudes, values and priorities?
Recalling back on what Brother Melvin had touched on regards to the four Nobel Truths, in life letting go is not the end of everything but it is just the beginning, the starting point of another follow up. In life, there is bound to be sufferings or dissatisfactions (dukkha) arising from problems. Realistically, these problems are none other than conflicts between our desires and our facts of life. We may have seen many people around us employing different methods to tackle and solve the problems. However, self-reflection might prove to be the best possible way, the best medication for “stress” or other “side-effects” from the problems we ourselves created!
Reflection. A simple word and yet when we think of it, so many different connotations come to mind. Some think about the physical image they see on the other side of mirror. While some think reflection as the last resort to solve problems and they often flee from it like plague, seeking safety in finding scapegoat for their problems, which give rise to a lot of finger pointing and blaming game. Ironically, others think of it as a solution to solve the problems they are facing or a breather from their hectic lifestyle.
Hence as you can see with reflection we can change. We can learn to take up responsibility and face the truth bravely, accept the reality as it is. We will learn to ask where our dissatisfaction come from, why are we feeling that way and how can we solve it. As the Four Nobel Truths suggest there must be the recognition that there is “dukkha” and we should learn to understand dukkha, not just try to get rid of it. Additionally, understanding that there is the cessation of dukkha is also essential.
Many a times when we do reflection and face ourselves alone, we hear our hearts and we know where our problems lie or what our aspirations are. We just need humility and courage to work it out and face it.

So have you faced yourself lately?