Cultivating Nobleness (Prelude)

Have you ever noticed that even when the world around you is deafeningly loud, you can still hear your inner voice? I wrote these thoughts beneath a zinc roof during a torrential downpour in the tropics. Despite the noise, my mind remained calm and focused, unaffected by the clamour outside. This is the remarkable power of the mind: it can shield us from external chaos or, conversely, plunge us into the depths of despair.

For those who are not yet aware, it’s crucial to understand that our mind operates in two distinct modes: one driven by destructive negative emotions, and another guided by positive feelings of reflection and change. Ultimately, we decide whether our mind becomes a safe harbour or a stormy sea. To make meaningful changes in our lives, we must first master our minds.

The mind is fickle. One moment, we’re euphoric; the next, we’re inconsolably sad. In one situation, we’re moved by compassion; in another, we’re consumed by indifference. This fickleness often leads to insecurity and complacency, fueling indecisiveness and a cycle of self-doubt, low self-esteem, and eroded confidence. In essence, we become prisoners of our minds.

Yet, the mind is also awe-inspiring. It holds the capacity for conscience, guiding us in discerning right from wrong. It is the beacon of our well-being; physical, emotional, and spiritual. Without it, we would be no different from animals, driven solely by survival instincts, and lacking a moral compass. The mind also possesses the power of choice. We can let it remain fickle or strive for enlightenment by grounding it in mindfulness, observation, and wisdom. By choosing the path of enlightenment, we tap into the mind’s true potential, gaining the ability to self-reflect and foster meaningful change.

When Lord Gautama Buddha discovered the Truth about life over 2,500 years ago, he didn’t call his realisations the “Four Compassionate Truths.” Instead, he taught the “Four Noble Truths,” understanding that sympathy alone does not lead to spiritual liberation, nor does it help us break free from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Compassion evokes a sense of sympathy for others’ suffering, but it doesn’t cultivate the qualities needed for spiritual advancement. Nobility, on the other hand, embodies righteousness, virtue, honour, and decency. A noble person radiates positivity and influence, while compassion alone may lead to dependency and despair. Had the Buddha focused solely on compassion, he might have spent his life offering handouts, and the world would have missed the profound message of the “Four Noble Truths.”

In today’s world, living as the Buddha did requires us to reject society’s misconceptions and embrace a life of nobility—helping those in need, regardless of their status or power. Whether a person is weak or strong, poor or wealthy, we are all equally lost in the mortal world. A noble person conveys the truth with integrity, without pretence or falsehood.

To live nobly means to be unwavering in our wisdom, knowing that we carry the right understanding and message. It means having the courage to do the right thing at the right time, communicating with creativity and empathy, being an active listener, and avoiding idle talk. It involves being mindful of our thoughts and actions (or inactions), considering different perspectives, and embodying positive attributes that we can all aspire to emulate.

Unfortunately, many choose to remain ignorant, indulging in Karma, and carrying anger, hatred, and despair from one life to the next. Instead of learning from past mistakes, they repeat the same patterns, believing that others are the root of their problems and refusing to take responsibility for themselves. They view their predicaments as inescapable, wallowing in self-pity and regret.

Living a noble life means being true to ourselves. It means confronting our true feelings and emotions, seeking resolution, learning to forgive, and understanding that no one is perfect. The Divine reveals our Karma so we can become mindful of our Karmic emotions because these are the building blocks of who we are. If we can master these building blocks, the possibilities for our growth are endless. We wouldn’t hold grudges or harbour negative thoughts. There would be nothing to forgive because negative feelings wouldn’t arise in us. There would be no hatred or fear, and no wounds that wouldn’t heal.

As you read this, did you hear yourself?