Most of us are trying to live in a way that will bring us happiness or peace of mind. We have very different approaches to this goal, whether it is through studying, shopping, traveling or finding the right partner - you can continue the list endlessly. But the fact is, if we take a step in the wrong direction as we set out in our attempt to find happiness, we will not get closer to our goal no matter how much effort we make; instead, we will get further and further away and might find ourselves in the midst of suffering instead. Of course, I am not implying that there is anything wrong with any of these activities, just that we have to be aware of their limitations and the fact that whatever arises will at some point cease, which in Buddhism is called impermanence. Instead of relying on something which is bound to cease, we must instead turn around and look at the one, who is doing the searching.
I decided to start producing a biweekly write-up called “For what it’s worth"“ and would be delighted if it could serve as a tool for reflection and inspiration, and maybe support a different way of looking at ourselves and the world. My hope is that it will help clarify the futility of certain notions we entertain and help us drop them, to recognize the burden of hardened positions so we might taste the freedom of no-position, which will enable us to change according to circumstances and conditions, without getting imprisoned or caught up in ideas and concepts.
The name “For what it’s worth” reflects, on the one hand the weakness and limitations of my writing, but also implies that the worth or value of what is written is as well determined by the resonance and recognition of the reader with the text.
There will be two longer posts sent out on the first and fifteenth of each month. Shorter posts might occasionally be published and delivered in between these dates.
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