Precepts of Engaged Buddhism, pt. 2

Following the teaching of Thich Nhat Han in his book 'Interbeing', we can find the list of the fourteen precepts of Engaged Buddhism. It is important to stress that this are not only guidelines for Buddhists but for all religious and non-religious followers who are looking for a guidance in their relationship with themselves and others.

Precept 2. Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. In order to be free of all attachments, one must also be capable of having an open mind to hear perceptions and explanations of reality which are not in accordance with the ones we have. The reason behind this precept is that, due that we live in an ever changing reality with multiple causes and conditions, to have a never changing truth is doubtful. This does not mean to be un-compromised with our own ideas and ideals, but rather be open to change them or even abandon them if one finds a new path and set of beliefs that are more in accordance with the present reality.

One might ask, can this also be applied to religious truths? Yes. For example, the Buddha stressed the importance of reasoning what he preaches before one follow the teachings givin by him. He was convinced that faith is not in conflict with reason, but are complementary elements in the construction of our own set of ideas and ultimately in the construction of our mind. Thus this process can provide you with a deeply-rooted conviction that what you do and believe is taken because you find it appropirate to your own development, and not becuase someone else manipulate you. After doing this process, the precept mentions that one should avoid bein narrow minded and bound to present views; so, the process of believing in your reasoning and reasoning your beliefs is a constant stage in this relative reality. By doing so, the religious or secular ideas are not longer dogmas but convictions; ones that may be changed due to new findings about them or that, to the contrary, are even stronger after the process of internalization and questioning is develop over and over again. This non-attachment to one truth, opens the mind and consciousness to learn everyday from everyone and everything! Then, the life has a new meaning, it becomes expressions of an interdependent and ever changing existence that challenges our capacity to understand the mysteries behind this realive reality. If one is able to see beyond this relative reality even for just a moment, one can achieve a glimpse of what being Awake ('Enlightened), really means.