Defilements and Enlightenment are Everywhere

The grass is always greener on the other side is an old adage that is worthwhile to understand and remember, because there is much truth in it when we understand what it means.

Though we can evolve in our life and move onto a better place, or job, or new partner, we may not find that in all cases what we perceive as being better based on a cursory glance or a moment of boredom, ignorance and dissatisfaction with our present circumstances as being real or accurate or correct.

When we have reached a stage in life where we see the experience of our own life and past with a degree of insight, we find that in all places and situations, there can be blessings and there can be hindrances to joy, wisdom and happiness.

We start to understand that the defilements can manifest themselves in us, whether we are in prison, the Antarctic, The White House, Thailand, India, England or the U.S.

And just as the defilements can manifest themselves in these places, so can enlightenment be accessed and developed also.

What it takes to weaken the defilements and not let them compromise our ability to feel balanced and focused wherever we are is mindfulness and a commitment to understanding the teachings that our particular discipline puts forth, while at the same time applying ourselves to the disciplines and practices that it asks of us.

This could mean that a man in prison could find a greater sense of peace then a man free in Bangkok, New York or London.

How is it that so many men commit crimes and get sense to prison in the first place? It is because they were not focused, mindful and centered in the freedom that they once had. And the prison population in all countries is on the increase. Men will go to prison in the present because of ignorance and so will they also in the future, just as they did in the past.

When we can cultivate the idea that things are ok just as they are in the present, we will understand that it is making the grass within greener, not thinking that it will be get better just by changing our location or place in life.

We will understand that it is more about our attitude then where we are, who we are with or what we are doing.

We will understand that such a change can be brought about if we are willing and able to make a commitment to it and that it does not come about by getting drunker or smoking another joint or popping another pill.