Do not think that the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Learn and practice non-attachment from views in order to be open to receive others' viewpoints. Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout your entire life and to observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times.

Thich Nhat Hahn, Being Peace

I have a confession to make: I used to be a fundamentalist Christian. I thought the knowledge I possessed was the changeless, absolute truth. Anyone who disagreed with me was headed for hell. A good place for those who couldn't see the truth, I thought.

I remember my time as a fundamentalist with more than a little shame. My most embarassing moment came, of course, in a public forum. I was the host of a radio show at the time and I interviewed Rabbi Kushner about his book "Who Needs God?" The good Rabbi made the point that God does not control every single event that happens on earth, but instead grieves with us when things go wrong. This was heresy to my fundamentalist brain. Of course God controls everything .. God is omnipotent, omniscient, almighty! It was one heck of a fight on live radio.

The Rabbi was patient with me, and we agreed to disagree. I remember that conversation to this day, and I wish I could tell the Rabbi that today, I agree with him. I now understand his point of view. I am no longer narrow-minded or bound to those past beliefs.

The quote from Thich Nhat Hahn is the second of the 14 precepts of Buddhism. It is also my favorite. I have learned, time and again, how dangerous dogmatism can be. Wildly clinging to what you know to be "truth" can blind you when the real truth comes knocking.

I haven't gotten a handle completely on this precept, but I continue to work on it. The beliefs I hold today may change tomorrow. I may find the truth in other people's viewpoints and have to adjust accordingly.

This is not an invitation to be flighty, swayed by every new idea. Hahn is asking us to be open to new ideas and truths, not just to jump on them and accept them when they come. Just as the Bible instructs us, we must test the spirits that come to us. If they do not ring true for us, we must discard them.

Don't fear new ideas or other people's vision of the truth. Be ready to listen and learn. Observe the reality in yourself and the world at all times. Do not be afraid to learn the truth, for it, indeed, shall set you free.

Blessings,
Candace