Control

There is a correlation to the Taoist term Wu Wei and the Buddhist hypothesis of the Four Noble Truths, specifically the third truth. These are not easy ideas to discuss. Once you bring in philosophical terms like Taoism or Buddhism, people are instantly polarized by their own personal dogma. Even if a philosophy is compatible or identical to that of their own, once a label is attached personal dogma can impose challenges that make it difficult to engage in open and productive discourse. With that proviso, I carry on.

Wu Wei roughly translates as non-striving or natural action. It implies an action that does not involve struggle or excessive effort. It does not imply inaction, but rather the correct application of action. The term I use with my students is effortless effort. The third Noble Truth is basically the truth of the goal - again non striving. Only when we eliminate the struggle can we see the reality of how our unsustainable efforts to attain more is causing the suffering we are trying to mask by possessing more.

So what does all of this have to do with control? First, let me be clear. Control is about you and no one else. Control is not about imposing your will upon another but rather having the clarity and wisdom to be able to take 100% responsibility for your own decisions and their consequences. Control is less about controlling the action you take than it is about understanding why you take the action you take. Looking at control from that perspective highlights the value of the philosophical ideals represented by Wu Wei and the third Noble Truth. If we're always so busy looking for more and not paying attention to the here and now, we will not be aware of what we already have until we lose it, and then it is too late. One of my favourite lines in Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is - The truth knocks on the door and you say, "Go away, I'm looking for the truth," and so it goes away. Puzzling.

Knowledge and mastery are worthy goals. They are never completely attainable, as there is always more to learn and master, but like most worthy goals the value lies in the journey, not the destination. Often the only difference between identifying the right path and the wrong path is perspective. Applying Wu Wei and the Noble Truths as tools is important for maintaining a proper perspective and solid control.

"I don't meditate to control my thoughts. I meditate so my thoughts don't control me." - Timber Hawkeye (b. 1977)