After listening to the debate last night, I ran across a zen saying and tracked it down in a previously unfamiliar blog - Mystic Cowboy . The saying, from the Third Zen Patriarch, is " Do not search for the truth. Only cease to cherish opinions. "
In terms of Ignatian Spirituality, we are all subject to “inordinate attachments”. During a presidential campaign we can become so strongly attached to a particular point of view and set of opinions, that it clouds our search for the truth. This attachment can become so strong that it begins to distort and strain family relationships and friendships.
The Zen master is telling us that we won’t hear the truth if we approach each debate with preconceived opinions. I’m in no position to cast the first stone on this point.
Last night provided several examples opinions clouding the debate. The question about flu shots provided President Bush with an opportunity to attack Kerry/Edwards by contending that the fear of outrageously expensive lawsuits has driven pharmaceutical companies away from producing flu vaccine. Senator Kerry ignored the question, seeing it as an opportunity to promise health insurance to almost everybody. In fairness, I don’t think either one expected the question. Had I been in their shoes, I would not have been prepared for it either.
Neither candidate dealt with what could become a serious national problem. Their attachment to expressing a preconceived opinion prevented them from putting forth even a tentative solution.
The race will be over in three weeks – unless “losing” side goes to court. During this time we can all gain a little serenity be asking ourselves if our “cherished opinions” are distorting our lives, claiming all our time, and disturbing personal relationships. We have little control over who becomes President.
We do have the opportunity to reflect on the extent to which our cherished opinions control our lives.
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