FOMO
Two days ago I wrote about the purpose of the appearance of Buddhas. That being to cause all people to seek enlightenment and to show them the way to do so. At the conclusion I proposed the question, ‘why do we practice the Buddha’s teachings?’
Yesterday I wrote about how easy it is to become distracted and abandon our practice, how most people it seems do so. Possibly because it is too hard to practice Buddhism, or because they do not keep in their hearts their original intent.
The ‘Fear of Missing Out’ FOMO is characterized by the inability to say no to things that pop up in our lives. It is manifest in an almost compulsive need to be involved in doing something, even if distracting, for fear that we may be missing some thing. The cell phone is a good example; how easy is it for you to avoid rushing to pick up the phone on the first or second ring? What kind of need is seeking to be fulfilled by checking email constantly?
One of the symptoms of this is being unfocused and stressed out. Another is being overwhelmed.
“Exert yourselves and concentrate your minds! Now I will tell you about this matter. Do not doubt me! My wisdom is difficult to understand. Arouse your power of faith, And do good patiently! You will be able to hear the Dharma that you have never heard before.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XV)
It is easy to become distracted from our Buddhist practice. There are many things that compete for our time and attention. Some of those things can really nag at us, sort of like the little icon on your phone or computer that tells you there are X number of emails waiting your viewing.
Unfortunately, in Buddhism there isn’t a little nag icon that pops up to remind you of the importance of practice and study, though you can probably find an app for it.
“All of you should concentrate your minds, wear the armor of endeavors, and be resolute.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XV)
This is actually part of the practice of Buddhism, being self-motivated. We need to continually examine our lives, looking for the things that hinder us in our practice as well as in becoming enlightened.
“He should always make it a pleasure to sit in dhyana. He should live in a retired place and concentrate his mind. Manjusri! A retired place is the first thing he should approach.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XIV)
I think for us today, that retired place is learning to be comfortable with letting the nag-icon go unattended, with peace, ease and comfort, when it is time to engage in our practice. Let go of your FOMO ‘fear of missing out’.
