Are You Sure ... Thich Nhat Hanh

YOUR TRUE HOME by Thich Nhat Hanh


Are You Sure:

All of us are only human, and we have wrong perceptions every day.  Our spouse or partner is also subject to wrong perceptions, so we must help each other to see more clearly and more deeply.  We should not trust our perceptions too much -  that is something the Buddha taught.  "Are you sure of your perceptions?" he asked us.  I urge you to write this phrase down on a card and put it up on the wall of your room:  "Are you sure of your perceptions?"

There is a river of perceptions in you.  You should sit down on the bank of this river and contemplate your perceptions.  Most of our perceptions, the Buddha said, are false.  Are you sure of your perceptions?  This question is addressed to you.  It is a bell of mindfulness.

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Daily, we make assumptions about people, places and things.  We interpret  our thoughts as though they were 100% truth.  What we think impacts our behaviors and interactions with others.  


Quite honestly, there are times when we would be better off just saying, "I don't know."  Although it may sound rigidly religious, we can be more mindful about letting judgment remain in the realm of divinity.  I don't want to judge others primarily because I don't want others to judge me.  I would rather face judgment of the heavenly who can see the entire picture or know the entire story.


We never really know the entire truth, so rather than stressing over who to believe, let it go and devote your time to praying in what ever form that takes for the people involved.  This helps everyone from a higher level instead of passing personal judgment.


Years ago, a college friend called from out of town to tell me he had just purchased a rather large business where I was then living.  He was very excited.  When he arrived in town, we met for a drink bringing our college year books and catching up on activities of our friends over the past years.  This man was very handsome and personable.  He had an infectious laugh and a very kind heart.  I knew him to be fair and trustworthy.  He was still single and I was already contemplating the available women he might find interesting. 


During the following month, news articles, billboards and advertisements reflected his purchase of this local business.  As word began to circulate in the small community, I was happy to tell others about him.  As the weeks passed, I began to hear some very negative remarks about my friend.  I heard that he was dishonest, untrustworthy and he would not be welcome in our town.


I was able to track down where the rumor had started.  His largest competitor admitted he took it upon himself to be quite creative about my friend's work history.  By twisting the facts with a negative spin the competition was dead before it even had time to take root.  The accuracy of the town talk didn't matter and everyone easily believed what was not true.  My friend was doomed prior to arrival.


Perceptions.  We all have perceptions, but we do not always have all of the facts.  In certain situations, no matter what we think or who we research, it will be impossible to know the absolute truth.  Before our perceptions slide into judgment, slip into prayer for all peoples involved as they all will be suffering.  If we truly are operating with an open heart, we offer forgiveness, compassion, and a willingness to reserve all judgment.


The end of the story:  My friend indeed did come to town aware of the vicious rumors being spread by his competitor.  He conducted business with his high standards and soon his business grew.  People got to know him and like him, but they never 'let him in'.  He was always just on the edge as the old perceptions were still lodged   in the minds of others.  The community never really embraced him completely.  His competitor of course continued the slander.  Eventually, my friend married for the first time and decided to begin his family in a new location where they could truly call it home.  


Perceptions.  We really need to ask ourselves, "Is this true, absolutely proof positive true?"  And even if it is true, we have no need to judge, or enter into an arena where we have no business being.  Even if we have a personal interest, we need not be self appointed juries.  I am not encouraging any one  to accept or embrace negative behaviors, but rather to use your emotions in a positive way hoping to bring healing
to all involved.