Today's MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: Take The Time

F LoBuono

If you take the time to notice the little things, life often offers wonderful snippets of simple joy.

In fact, it happened to me just today.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I had a few hours before I needed to leave for work. Not that I needed one, but it was a perfect excuse to sojourn into town to pick up the few groceries I needed for my evening meal. When I just need a few items, which is most of the time, I use the small grocery store located on the north end of downtown. It's a clean, well stocked store featuring fresh fruit and vegetables, and it's open 7 days a week. It is run by a family of Korean-Americans who are always polite and friendly.

As I shop in the place at least 3 or 4 times a week, I've gotten to know the people a little. In what might be seen as a strange twist of fate, I found out we are from the same hometown - Fort Lee, NJ. It's been over 40 years since I lived there and the demographic has changed. When I was a boy growing up there, the population was overwhelming Italian/Irish /Jewish. These people represent a new wave of immigrants to the town, making it now overwhelming Asian/Korean. Still, I marveled at the thought that ultimately, despite the obvious difference in culture, here we were, in the tiny village of Nyack, NY, while at the same time sharing a common hometown (albeit from different eras).

Another small thing that I noticed, adding to the pleasure of the whole experience, was the music. Here I was in a Korean grocery store in the tiny river hamlet of Nyack, NY, run by Korean-Americans from my hometown of Fort Lee, NJ, and The Doors "Break on Through - To The Other Side" was playing on the store speakers. You can't make this stuff up.

I couldn't help but smile and think, once again, there are SO many things that can give us joy. You just have to take the time to notice.

Today's MOZEN: The Only Way

F LoBuono

As a surprise to virtually no one, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted exactly along Party lines (11 Republicans voted YEA. The 10 Democrats all voted NAY) to send the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court to the whole Senate for final approval. However, GOP Senator, Jeff Flake, has proposed a compromise addressing the roiling controversy over the allegations of sexual abuse leveled against Judge Kavanaugh by a college professor, Dr. Chrisitine Blasey Ford. He has suggested that the vote be delayed exactly one week for the FBI to conduct a thorough, but limited, investigation into the alleged incident that occurred over 3 decades ago. At the end of next week, i.e. Friday, 10/5/2018, the committee will deliver the FBI's findings.

The compromise has been met with optimism from both parties. Even the President, normally not prone to compromise, seems willing to give it a shot. As of this posting, it remains to be seen if it will actually occur.

There are a number of take-aways that we can glean from this proposal. And, depending on the outcome, would produce radically different results for both parties:

1. Why didn't Kavanaugh agree to the investigation in the first place? If he is as innocent as he contends, what would it serve him to NOT have that confirmed? It can certainly leave one assuming that he does, indeed, have something to hide. Whether closet skeletons exist at all and are of a sufficiently egregious nature, might determine if the judge himself withdraws his nomination.

2. What if the FBI finds sufficient evidence to support Dr. Ford's claims? Will the GOP and the President have the social consciousness to admit their mistake and vote NOT to confirm or, have him withdraw.

3. What if the FBI finds NO credible evidence to support Dr. Ford's claims? Will the Democrats have the social consciousness to admit their mistake and vote TO confirm him?

The stakes couldn't be higher. This nomination will effect the Court for decades. So, certainly, a week's delay does not seem an unreasonable to attempt to get it right.

For the Republicans, should he be found to have perpetrated the act, even from 36 years ago, their continued support of him would make them seem hopelessly lost in partisan politics, unable to do the right thing. They will have to admit their mistake, apologize (if THAT'S even possible) and, move on. Unless they act quickly and with sincerity, they will face an uphill climb for the midterm elections. On the other hand, if he is "exonerated" completely, they will look like heroes for supporting him.

Should the evidence against judge Kavanaugh be found lacking, the Democrats will be put in an equally tenuous position. They will also be forced to admit their mistake and might even be asked to put their backing behind the judge, eliminating any other objection to his appointment. Should he be further "implicated", they will look heroes for opposing him.

It may not be a perfect solution to this very vexing problem. However, it is at least an attempt for clarity and transparency. Without it, we will left with far more questions than answers at a time when we can ill afford to be wrong.

Today's MOZEN: To Believe or Not to Believe

F LoBuono

Like most of the Country and, quite possibly, the world, I was held rapt by the Senate confirmation hearing on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to sit on the bench of the US Supreme Court. The hearing was held deliberately to assess the testimony of a college professor, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused Kavanaugh of sexually molesting her at a high school party some 36 years ago. Judge Kavanaugh has steadfastly and vociferously denied the accusations. Obviously, should Dr. Ford convince the Senators of her version of the incident, his nomination would be in serious jeopardy.

The stakes couldn't be higher. Should Judge Kavanaugh be confirmed, the Supreme Court would be shaped by conservative justices for, possibly, generations to come. This, of course, fills conservative Republicans who control congress with obvious joy, and the minority Democrats consternation. This conflict in agendas contributed greatly to the incredible media hype that surrounded the hearings.

Dr. Ford spoke first. With emotion tempered by conviction, she told her story. And, when pressed for the details she was firm and confident in her answers: yes, she is ABSOLUTELY sure that it was Brett Kavanaugh and a friend who assaulted her all those years ago. There was NO doubt in her mind. She stated that she came forward at this time because she felt it her civic duty - after all, the man whom she claims assaulted her would be responsible for issuing decries that effect women most directly. By most accounts, Dr. Ford was a most sympathetic and CONVINCING witness. She was described as sincere, intelligent, poised, and honest. Simply put, most people seemed to believe her.

Now, before we get into Judge Kavanaugh's response, some of the details surrounding Dr. Ford's testimony can be called into question. In my mind, they are:

1. The time factor. It is not unreasonable to think that 36 years is a long time to remember any incident, even a traumatic one. In fact, some psychologists theorize that, in fact, the more traumatic the event, the more confused a memory might be. Could this be the case here? Some also suggest that it is unfair to judge an entire career of public service by a questionable incident perpetrated as a youth.

2. The timing factor. There is some question as to when the Democrats were aware of the allegations and why they delayed in reporting them. Could the timing of the release be purely political?

3. Corroboration. At this point, the investigation remains a "he said - she said" conundrum. She is adamant that he assaulted her. He is equally firm in his denial. And, there doesn't seem to be anyone else who can confirm or deny what really did happen (at least without an FBI investigation which Judge Kavanaugh has eschewed).

4. Politics. The GOP controls the committee running the hearings. They want him in, pretty much no matter what. The Democrats, on the other hand, are adamant about denying him the position and will do anything within THEIR power to prevent the appointment.

When Judge Kavanaugh testified, he was equally unequivocal in his denial of the accusations as Dr. Ford was in her affirmation of them. At points, he also become emotional in his presentation. He defended himself by saying that he did not doubt that she was molested - it just wasn't by him! He spent most of his time delineating his accomplishments as a judge while at the same time admitting to youthful "indiscretions" that he now found embarrassing. However, at no time did he admit to the sexual molestation of Dr. Ford or ANYONE else. The judge also lambasted the Democrats on the committee for unbridled animosity toward his nomination, claiming it was politically motivated and nothing else.

Here are some of the issues that might be seen in Judge Kavanaugh's testimony:

1. Veracity. Although emotional and adamant, he also came off as contentious, almost belligerent. While one can understand his frustration, it made him appear as if he was angry because he got caught and was, therefore, lying.

2. Accountability. While Dr. Ford has encouraged an official FBI investigation into the alleged incident, Judge Kavanaugh has steadfastly denied the need for one and has even suggested that he would not cooperate with it should one be convened. If one is innocent, why would they not seek the vindication an official inquiry could bring?

3. Dodging. Judge Kavanaugh consistently avoided questions not to his liking. He either evaded or filibustered them. It gave the appearance that he was hiding something.

4. Body language. I am not a body language expert, but I read quotes from others who are. Most of them claimed that his posture was that of someone less than truthful.

5. Likability. While sympathetic to the effects the hearings have had on both his and Dr. Blasey's families, he was downright hostile to some of the Senators, particularly female Democrats. Again, his agitation made it appear that he was angry because he was guilty. And, furthermore, it might be an indication of hostility to powerful women.

Additionally, because of his intense emotion, people began to question the judge's temperament for sitting on the Supreme Court.

Now, the purpose of this post is not to decide for you who may be telling the truth. Rather, I presented some observations that I, and others, made. Because of the nature of the proceedings, apparently, nothing has really changed. It remains a He Said - She Said scenario. The choice on whom to believe is up to YOU.


Epilogue: The truly sad part of the whole affair is that it was a done deal from the beginning. The Republicans have the numbers to make the confirmation happen. And, I fear that no amount a truth seeking, no matter what the appearance, was every enough to change this conclusion.

When You Think About It: DUE PROCESS

F LoBuono

DUE PROCESS OF LAW

noun

1. the regular administration of the law, according to which no citizen maybe denied his or her legal rights and all laws must conform to fundamental, accepted legal principles, as the right of the accused to confront his or her accusers.

Of course, like most Americans, I have a keen interest in the confirmation process of Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh. What seemed like a lock for him to be confirmed now has been brought into question with the charge of an alleged sexual assault committed when he was a teenager by college professor Christine Blasey Ford. Dr. Ford claims that Judge Kavanaugh groped and tried to remove her clothes without her permission at a high school party. Kavanaugh has vehemently denied the charges.

The fact that these allegations were brought to light after nearly 40 years had transpired has led many to cry foul, claiming political cronyism. The Republican controlled confirmation committee wants Kavanaugh appointed ASAP while the Democrats want the decision at least delayed until the allegations can be further investigated (if not have his nomination removed completely).

Many of Judge Kavanaugh's supporters are using a two-pronged defense:

1. The obvious - he simply did not do it (as he claims).

2. If he did do the deed, because youth was involved and so much time has passed, the charge should be passed off as "youthful indiscretion".

His detractors counter that why should his word be simply accepted over hers? And, "youthful indiscretion" is NO excuse for aberrant behavior at ANY time, especially for someone who will sitting on the highest court in the land.

That is why most reasonable people say, let's hear what BOTH of them have to say in an impartial setting where the truth may be ascertained. The caveat has been in the definition of impartial.

Before I go any further, I would like to make one thing perfectly clear: I condemn sexual violence of ANY nature at ANY time, practiced by ANYONE. I have never forced myself on a woman and denounce any who has/does. And, furthermore, EVERY report of sexual abuse MUST be taken seriously, no matter when it may have occurred.

Now, this debate is not new: The He Said - She Said conundrum has raged since Adam and Eve. To deal with this, jurists adopted the legal principal of DUE PROCESS OF LAW. I included the Webster definition of it at the beginning of this post. The purpose is obvious; one person's word should not carry more weight than the others and the PROCESS is designed to allow evidence, rather than hearsay, to carry the day. It should be simple and effective.

If we pursue the process with equal vigor used in finding the TRUTH, we eliminate the second guessing that plaque inquiries that do not follow it to completion.

That's why I am distressed with those, on both sides, who fall prey to knee-jerk reactions and political pandering. We should not put more credence on one person's account over the other's without EVIDENCE to support one or the other claim! The only way to KNOW is to INVESTIGATE. And, that investigation must be thorough, aggressive and NON BIASED. And, the only way to accomplish this is with complete TRANSPARENCY. It is the only way to the truth.

So, follow the process - completely. Allow Dr. Ford to testify in front of a non-biased panel (if that is even possible) to tell us what happened to her and see the evidence to either support or negate her claim. Of course, as is the LAW, Judge Kavanaugh MUST have the equal opportunity to present his case.

It may not be a perfect process, especially since women seem to bare the most burden of proof, but, in an imperfect world, it is an honest attempt to seek the truth - the ultimate goal for all of us. 

Today's MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: The Bodhisattva

F LoBuono

It happens more than we realize - those small, but magic moments that occur when they are least expected. They don't have to be epiphanies but, rather, blips in a day that make us smile - and, on occasion, can even reaffirm our faith in mankind.

Often, these incidents involve the participation of another individual whom I believe to be a Bodhisattva, or Spirit Guide. Call them angels or the souls of the dearly departed, whatever, they appear in an instant, deliver their message, and disappear just as mysteriously.

It happened to me just the other night.

I had just finished teaching my graduate class at Fordham, Lincoln Center. I was hustling to get back to my car which I had parked near CBS on W57th Street, about 5 blocks. It was a warm evening and the streets were buzzing with life. I was walking at a good pace because, quite frankly, I wanted to get home in time to see the season premiere of one of favorite TV programs: The Jim Jeffries Show. As I approached 57th, I stopped at a local bodega to pick up a chocolate bar for a later snack. They're just a buck, so I stuffed my hand in my pocket to grab my money and see if I had single handy. It was rather disorganized and in no particular order. I saw a dollar mashed into the center of the pile, pealed it out, and held on to the rest of it.

It's a typical city bodega with a little bit of everything crammed into a tight, fragrant space.
It's near CBS and Roosevelt Hospital so it's always buzzing, almost frenetic. But, since grabbing a candy bar for a late night snack is a habit of mine, I have the routine down pat. It's run by, I assume hearing the language they bark at one another over the cacophony, Palestinians. They recognize me, and I them. The chocolate bars are on the right as soon as you walk in. I grab one, basically toss the dollar on the counter, and walk out. No need to wait on-line. I've been doing it for years.

After I left the store, I haphazardly stuffed the rest of the money back into my pants pocket and the chocolate bar into my jacket. As I was still in a hurry, I was certainly not very fastidious when putting the money back.

I must have taken three or four strides when I hear a women's voice. It was coming from over my left shoulder:

Sir! Sir!

I slowed down and glanced over my shoulder to see where the voice was coming from and if she did indeed mean me. A young Asian woman was hustling to catch up to me, her hand outstretched. Realizing I was the object of her attention, I slowed enough for her to catch me. It was then that I saw what was in her hand - it was a bunch of balled up money. With a huge smile on her pleasant face, she said:

Sir, this is yours!

I stretched out my hand to accept the money she was returning to me. And, with much gratitude and some surprise, blurted out:

Oh, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

She responded:

Of course.

She didn't say anything else, but we did make good eye contact. I was moved by the very nature of her smile. It was warm and true, It was almost as if she was glowing. She turned and resumed her journey and I, mine.

Moved, I smiled broadly and finished my sojourn to the car. All the way on my drive home, I thought about that young woman. Two things really stuck out in my mind: When she first spoke to me to return my money she didn't say, you dropped this. She said, this is yours. It may be a subtle difference but, it is also an important one. Of course, I dropped it. She saw the money fall from my pocket. But, it never crossed her mind to keep the money, even though I would never known, because it was MINE - not hers. And, second, she was joyous for the very opportunity to return MY money to ME.

I couldn't repay her directly for her honesty and kindness. But, what I can do is pay-it-forward. I believe that, ultimately, was her message.

That's how angels work.

Today's MOZEN: The Little Things

F loBuono

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them. 

The Dalai Lama

What a deep concept expressed so sublimely. But, then again, that's why he is the Dalai Lama. But, it is a philosophy that has always appealed to me, and never more so than now.

Why?

Well, first off, unlike many other ideologies, it's a doctrine that does not require you to be perfect in order to achieve salvation. In fact, it is quite tolerant of our failures. It asks us only to TRY to be better. And, you don't even have to try that hard - just be aware that your behavior effects a whole world of others and do your best to treat them as you would be treated. In other words, you don't have to do great things to save the world - little ones, practiced with regularity, will do just fine. All it takes is a little consciousness.

Allow me to give you a personal example.

I love animals. ALL animals. And, I realize that, given the chance, all sentient beings have feelings and emotions that they would gladly express. Those characteristics make every living thing worthy of our respect. So-called Factory Farming is beyond cruel. It is barbarous and savage. To fill our insatiable appetite for meat, they abuse these animals and the land they use to grow and harvest them to a sadistic degree.

And, it need not be. There are more benign alternatives. And, not all of them involve eschewing meat. There are organic farmers and ranchers who do their best to raise food animals in ways that are less ruthless. Plus, there are other, small ways to reduce cruelty in everyday life.

For six years, I have tried to be as close to becoming a vegetarian as possible. But, I am FAR from perfect at it. I still eat fish (yes, an animal) and I will eat meat if it is prepared for me by someone who doesn't know I don't regularly eat it. Or, if the alternative is to simply throw it into the garbage, I will partake. Throwing it away, to me, is actually a greater sin. To waste meat simply because it is not appealing to you does a disservice to the animal at least as bad as sacrificing it in the first place!

So, I try to do the best that I can:
- I never order meat dishes at restaurants.
- I don't shop for it in the supermarket.
- I encourage others to limit, if not completely eliminate, their meat consumption (like meatless days). 

Also, should you find yourself an unrepentant carnivore that simply cannot live without it, try buying products that were raised in a more natural environment. It  may be more expensive, but in the long run, it benefits everyone.

Another way to create good will in the world (a.k.a. KARMA) is to be a little light - a glimmer of hope and joy in an otherwise dark and gloomy world. As the world spins faster and faster it seems to get more and more dehumanizing. The pressure to succeed in an increasingly competitive world can become enormous. And, the more we experience it, the more often we become more surly and aggressive. Well, when we feel that happening, step back. Take a breath. And, turn that frown upside down. All it takes is a little effort. And, it's not as selfless as it may seem. Because, in doing so, the other person not only feels better - you do, too!!!!

Today's MOZEN: I Am God

F LoBuono

Let me ask an old question a new way: why MUST there be a higher power in the Universe? Isn't every human being on the planet born with the infinite potential to love and to hate,  to give and to take, to hope and despair, to create and destroy?

Isn't this the very definition of god?

So, why must we assign this power to some unseen, omnipotent force when it actually lies with us - ALL of us?

Some will see this as arrogant or worse - blasphemous, even. But, why? Isn't it beautiful to think that all the vastness and greatness of the ENTIRE Universe lies within each of us? And, once we get the idea that because of this unlimited potential each and everyone of us is, in a sense, DIVINE through our heads, the world will be a better place.

There are things in the Universe we can never understand. So, people assign some mysterious personalized force that must be responsible for it. Usually, it is represented by a bearded, old, white man. But, why? Are we frightened by the very vastness of it all? Why is it necessary to believe that some ultimately benign (or, not) entity is pulling the strings like some almighty puppeteer who controls every aspect of our lives? Instead, we should be empowering ourselves with the idea that all of us, even the lowest of the low, contains all the divinity in possession of any so-called god.

Therefore, I am god - and, SO ARE YOU! So, with that in mind, let's be a little nicer to one another.

Today's MOZEN: The Greatest of These

F LoBuono

The typical bible is 1,189 chapters. These are made up of 31,173 verses and using a rough word count, this amounts to 807,370 words, although the King James Authorized Bible has 783,137 words. Using a standard font, the average bible has around 1,200 pages.

OK, in my world this seems like an awful lot of palaver to convey one message. And, for me, that message is:

And, the greatest of these is LOVE.

That is all.

Today's MOZEN: Soul Searcher

Frank LoBuono

Soul Searching. . . 
I think that, from time to time, it's a practice we are all familiar with. In moments of extreme stress, brought on by any number of life's challenges, most of us look deeply within ourselves to find the answers we are often so desperate to know. Some turn to religion, others to philosophy. Whatever the path, we believe true resolution can only be found through deep introspection.

Then there a those who are about as deep as a drop of sweat - however, that's a story for another day.

Still, others, like me, take the concept of deep thinking to a whole other level.

I am constantly searching for the solutions to not only life's most pressing problems, but often for the most simple ones, too. And, I have always been that way. I want to understand why things happen, and not only in the physical sense but in an emotional way, too. I want to know what motivates people to do what they do. Why are some people so kind and others so cruel? What makes one person generous to a fault while another is so selfish they don't even realize just how cruel they are? Why are some people "rewarded" with good health, fame and fortune whilst others suffer in poverty and obscurity? But, it doesn't have to be just BIG things to think deeply about. Some are downright trivial. I will go so far as to obsess on why people insist on driving so slowly in the left lane. There MUST be a reason for their folly. And, I need to know WHY.

As a young man in college, I read Aldous Huxley's "The Doors of Perception" (1954) and it had a profound effect on me. In the essay, Huxley makes the case for an alternative reality that exists deep within our subconscious. He believed that many answers to life's most enduring questions lie within this realm. Although he also felt that meditation and prayer helped on the path to enlightenment, Huxley also felt that to get past the barriers of the ego, drugs might provide the missing ingredient on his quest to seek a higher knowledge. So, he experimented with hallucinogenic drugs - not simply to get high but, rather, to break through normal perception and into a completely different realm of understanding. The 60's rock group, The Doors, took their name and general music philosophy from Huxley's work (remember "Break on Through").

So, with that in mind, I set out to experience as much as I could without fear or reservation. And, I aligned myself with others who felt the same way. Everything that I could do under the umbrella of experimentation, I was interested in trying.  That including reading, writing, traveling, and, yes, drugs. I opened my eyes and my mind to the idea that anything I could learn from was fair game to try. And, I did. Let's face it, I'm no fucking choir boy! But, I believe it fair to say that I never did anything in a nefarious way. Yes, I possibly did harm to myself in doing so, but I always made a conscious effort not to be a disservice to others.

I make no apologies or excuses for my behavior, save one: feeling for the people I've hurt during my journey. Yes, my actions may not have had malice in their intention but they wounded others none-the-less. I suppose that when you live a free life, driven by experience, inflicting some type of pain on yourself or others is inevitable. However, that provides little consolation to me. The whole idea in the pursuit of enlightenment is to do so WITHOUT harming others. And, in a bit of irony, the more I THINK about it, the worse I FEEL. Perhaps, the tears I shed at the very thought of my behavior will provide some comfort to those I have wronged.

I suppose the bottom line is this: as I age, I get slower and more grumpy. My experience at all costs attitude is much more subdued. And, I keep trying to accept more and criticize less. However, I'm afraid that the proportion of each is actually reversed! Still, I will never stop Soul Searching. Part of that quest is discovering who I am. And, I am seeker - not just of knowledge, but of wisdom. I'm just now learning how not to be consumed by the search . . .

Today's MOZEN: Still Preachin'!

F LoBuono

I know. I know. Preaching to the choir!

Still, it must be said: how much more incompetence can people take - even hardcore supporters? The latest episode of flailing buffoonery from our White House is nothing short of astounding, even to me. A scathing new book by legendary journalist, Bob Woodard, does not spare this President in its condemnation. An anonymous letter from a reported high-ranking official in the Administration, recently published by the New York Times, is even more critical (if that's possible) of the President and his lack of managerial skills.

However, at least to me, it is NOT entirely surprising. Donald Trump fails in even the most simple, human ways. And, he always has.

This entitled man that we elected king*, has been so far over his head that he is looking out of his ass.

He promised the best people in his Administration and we got thugs. He pledged to build a border wall to be paid for by Mexico and we got laughed at. He touted free health care and people are dying from lack of concern. He guaranteed a denuclearizing of the Korean peninsula and that is yet to happen. In addition to his broken vows, he continues to dismantle Obama era protections on the environment, education, and civil rights.

And, he does so with the maximum discord. In other words, he just can't seem to get anything right - he doesn't speak well. He doesn't spell correctly. He fabricates, bloviates, and prevaricates. In fact, there isn't a true thing about him - not his hair, his teeth, nor his very skin. Nothing.

You get what you pay for.

We bought a megalomaniacal, bilious, blow-hard of a reality TV show host - perhaps, the only thing he has done truly successfully in his entire life - to be President of the United States.

Well, shame on us. All of us. . .

*"The End of the Innocence" Bruce Hornsby/Don Henley

On Teaching

Words and photo F LoBuono

Today marks the beginning of another school year.  I will once again be teaching graduate students at the Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus in Midtown Manhattan. It's my second semester with the grad students and my third year in total at the school. Yet, despite my age and experience, I still get the pre-school jitters. It's the same feeling I got as a young student - a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

Yes, I still get nervous!

Even though I've been making a living in the media, including TV News, for about 35 years (I teach them multi-media production techniques) I worry about a bunch of things, none more so than if I'm actually well versed enough in new technologies to know more than a bunch of young people that were born with cell phones in their hands and have the expertise that goes with it. Remember, I went to school during an era when it was BIG deal to have an electric typewriter. So, as I always tell them in the first class, they will teach me as much as I them.

Besides the practical aspect of teaching them the skills necessary to compete in a VERY competitive field, there is the emotional aspect of it. It seems the older I get, the more cranky I get. I call it the get of my lawn syndrome. I just don't want to be bothered anymore. I want to have a bourbon, watch South Park and pretty much be left alone.

And, for me, teaching is a BIG deal. I don't just show up. Besides, my class is 2 hours long! So, I do an enormous amount of prep for each and every single session. Then, there's the grading, the emailing, the advising, etc. And, when I do things, I do them ALL the way. So it is with my teaching. I believe that I owe my students everything that I have. I don't/won't hold back. So, in other words, it's a shit load of work - physically and emotionally.

So, I ask myself; am I really up for this challenge?

Then it strikes me.

This is were the excited part takes over:

I realize that I have the opportunity to make young people passionate about learning new things.

I will get to know, as completely as I can, a whole new group of human beings.

I will give to them but, they will give me more.

It will be an enormous accomplishment if I can help these students discover their own voices by giving them the skills necessary to have them heard.

And, finally, I think what an honor it is that, perhaps, with my guidance, someday, one of MY students will create something that profoundly moves others and motivates positive changes in the world.

Yes, I am proud to say, I am a teacher.

Today's MOZEN: Lojong. It's All In the 'Tude.

Words and photo by F LoBuono

Recently, I have attempted to improve my knowledge of the practice of Buddhism. However, it should be noted that to call me a neophyte at this stage of my studies would be a gross understatement. I am certainly no religious scholar . But, I am curious and want to know more. It intrigues me that Buddhism is known as a practice as much as it is a religion. The idea that there is a thought process required instead of simply blindly following ancient dogma to achieve salvation appeals to me, too.

So, in the process of my research I came across Lojong, a mind training practice in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on a set of aphorisms formulated in Tibet in the 12th century by Chekawa Yeshe Dorje. The practice requires refining and purifying one's motivations and attitudes. It is part of the dharma or path to enlightenment, i.e. salvation.

Lojong involves 59 or so slogans that form the basic text of the practice to train the mind by providing anecdotes to the undesired mental habits that cause suffering. Of all of them, the first slogan provides the foundation for all of the others. For me, they form the basis for living a full, honorable life. Here they are:

Slogan 1. First, train in the preliminaries; The four reminders.^[9] or alternatively called the Four Thoughts^[10]

1. Maintain an awareness of the preciousness of human life.

2. Be aware of the reality that life ends; death comes for everyone; Impermanence.

3. Recall that whatever you do, whether virtuous or not, has a result; Karma.

4. Contemplate that as long as you are too focused on self-importance and too caught up in thinking about how you are good or bad, you will experience suffering. Obsessing about getting what you want and avoiding what you don't want does not result in happiness; Ego.

I think that you might agree on the simple yet profound meaning in all four. First, by becoming aware that ALL life is worthy, we gain respect for others. Second, live life to the fullest for one day it will end. Third, doing good creates more good. And, fourth, simply let go. Stop obsessing about what you think life should be and start accepting it for what it is.

The other 58 or so all support these basic principals and are as equally logical and enriching.

So, if they are all so simple and logical, why can they be so difficult to adhere to in our daily lives?

Well, I suppose that is is because we are human - and, since the very beginning of our very existence we have searched for the answer to what that really means. Why do we exist? What is our purpose? Is THIS life truly the only one? What happens when we die? What IS death? These questions are so vast and often intimidating that we must rely on a certain collective consciousness to seek out the answers. We define that collective consciousness as Religion.

However, many religions use this life simply as a preparation for the next. I find this hollow. I do not have the kind of faith required to accept that our only purpose now is to serve an unseen god with the hope that he/she will reward us in another life. Buddhism and Lojong are giving me practical solutions to cope with THIS life in a way that rewards not only me but others, as well.

So, I will continue to practice with the hope that one day, I too will reach the salvation of enlightenment.