Buddhi-Paññā for Life Adjustment

Abstract

     This article aims to describe a way to balance life in modern society and for living securely amid the state of
material consumerism. Human life is affected and influenced profoundly by material matters which have been playing an increasingly dominant role in daily experience. The cost of the resulting imbalance is a lower quality of life. Life becomes deficient in correct understanding, until one can not distinguish the conventional world from the great circle of life.

     One Buddhi-Paññā which can be used as an instrument to balance life is the Three Viveka: 1) Kāya Viveka or Bodily seclusion could be used for environmental seclusion. It maintains a life that is in touch with genuine nature and in harmony with nature, instead of persisting in artificial nature. Human physical systems consistently respond to nature balancingly. 2) Citta Viveka or mental seclusion could be used for thought balance. It adjusts life to be contemplated in the right way, not being led by negative forces such as hindrances. Mental seclusion allows cultivation of pure consciousness by exposing the covered defilements. 3) Upadhi Viveka or Defilement seclusion could be used for extinguishing the fetters. The more defilements that are extinguished, the more life will be balanced. Life lived unaffected by defilements leads to perfected happiness.

     Relying on the main Three Vivek, anyone of intellect who has come to achieve such a life balance would soon cease to be fascinated by the world and would fully perform their duties and responsibilities. Such a life would follow the right path independently and happily, despite living in a world of contrived materialism.