Sometimes I wonder why

[usonian]

1. Because the "supernatural" is a projection of our fears.

And recognition that most are not able to overcome them.


The story goes of Buddha and his detractor Mara.

Siddhartha (The Buddha) found solitude under a pipal tree—now called the bodhi tree—and began to meditate. In his meditations, he confronted the embodiment of the human shadow, in the form of the god Mara (the Sanskrit word for delusion).

Mara tried to sway him with seduction, threats, and promises. However, Siddhartha met each challenge with Radical Acceptance; he neither pursued nor pushed away what Mara offered. Because Siddhartha refused to be ruled by the delusions, they had no power to harm him. Finally, the earth itself bore witness to Siddhartha’s right to be the Buddha, and Mara fled.

Mara didn’t give up after their fateful encounter at the bodhi tree. He returned multiple times throughout the Buddha’s life to attack him or try to sway him from his enlightenment.

Each time Mara appeared, the Buddha acknowledged his presence with a simple, “I see you, Mara.” Rather than trying to block Mara out or drive him away, the Buddha would invite him in for tea. Eventually Mara would leave on his own, powerless as always against the Buddha’s acceptance and kindness.

When we awaken to the fact that irrational fears (like those sick "supernatural" conspiracy theories) are figments of our imagination, as implanted by Faux News, we can dismiss them.

People demonize others and seek to obliterate them rather than confront their own dark side.
Conquering others won't make their irrational fears go away. Until we conquer them in ourselves.


May Jewish Space Lasers light your way!
https://www.shortform.com/blog/buddha-and-mara/