Depression

Hi Fellow Meditators,

I was watching the news today and was really sad to learn of the death of Robin Williams, the famous Hollywood comedian.  Apparently he committed suicide as a result of depression.  As a Buddhist, it brings up several obvious issues, notably just how appropriate is suicide, how should one handle depression, and can wealth and fame alone bring true spiritual happiness.

Looking first at suicide, Robin Williams said it once in one of his own movies, "It's a permanent solution to temporary problems".  Depression and suicide often go hand in hand.  I know because I've suffered from it myself.  It's easy to dig oneself into a kind black hole out of which there seems no escape.  I think one solution is to have thoroughly programmed yourself beforehand so that when you enter one of those dark states, you remember that it is only temporary.  You've been there before and come out, and you will do this time too. 

However, while that is easy to say when in a "normal" state, it is, of course, extremely difficult to apply when you are actually in the depressed state.  That's why I think a real Buddhist solution is required.  This is to recognise the emptiness of your emotional state.  It is a fundamental teaching of the Buddha that all phenomena are void or empty of anything single or permanent.  This includes our emotional states.  While obviously things exist on the relative level, they are simply passing phenomena on the ultimate level.  Depression is no different.  So it's a case of remembering one's practice at all times.

The reason this is difficult is because we tend to meditate when we feel good.  It's very easy to be positive about life when everything is going well.  For example, a young person in the full bloom of youth enjoying perfect health.  Of course, it's easy to radiate happiness. To able to do this when you're ageing or suffering from both physical and mental ailments is more challenging.  However, if you can do it, it really shows your true spiritual strength.  And this feeling of joy and happiness comes naturally out of seeing that everything is empty, because in seeing that, one naturally moves closer to one's own true Buddha nature.

When might suicide be appropriate?  That's a difficult one.  My natural tendency is to agree with euthanasia, i.e. when one has entered the last phase of a terminal illness.  However, even here it might be better to try and see it through.  In traditional Buddhism, euthanasia would still be considered wrong.  I'd really like to hear some of your views as readers.  Can it ever be acceptable for a good Buddhist to commit suicide?  For example, some of those self immolation cases are definitely unacceptable in my opinion.

The final point that Robin Williams death shows us is that wealth and fame have no ultimate power to bring happiness.  Wealth simply provides us with a comfortable environment to pursue happiness, as well as giving us more possibilities.  Nevertheless, for anyone, rich or poor, true happiness can only come from the level of one's spiritual practice.  The more you work on putting others before oneself and on recognizing emptiness, the happier you yourself will be, even if you are poor.

Meditate well !!
 

Akong Rinpoche - Obituary

I only recently learnt of the sad death of Akong Rinpoche, one of the co-founders of Samye Ling Tibetan Centre in Scotland.  What was really surprising was the manner of his death.  Apparently he was murdered, stabbed to death no less, by some fellow Tibetans while in Chengdu in China.  From what I can gather it was over money.

Of course, Akong was always a very tough kind of guy and always had a reputation for being very hard nosed business wise.  And he always made sure anyone who stayed at Samye Ling paid up fully.  Yet, it's surprising to learn that he would take an argument about money to such an extreme.  Surely, most Buddhists would hand over the money if someone was actually threatening you.  After all it is only money, which as Buddhists we know ultimately fails to bring any true happiness.  It just makes life a little smoother, and, of course, opens up new possibilities.  But ultimately happiness can only ensue from the strength of your practice, both in terms of formal meditation and compassionate behaviour.

I have to say, I was never a disciple of Akong Rinpoche and often found him difficult to be with.  In fact, truth be told, he was one of the main reasons I started having doubts about the whole Lama devotion system prevalent in Tibetan Buddhism.  Nevertheless, there is no denying his huge contribution to the Dharma.  Firstly, the development of Samye Ling as a meditation centre, which has provided generations with the opportunity to develop themselves and receive teachings from the highest lamas.  The building of the main temple was, of course, monumental.  Secondly, his commitment to propagating the Dharma and trying to aid its spread throughout the world.  His style was very orthodox and conservative.  This was largely because he felt a need to counter the behaviour of his co-founder, Chogyam Trungpa, who was famed for his unconventional behaviour and crazy wisdom. 

Whatever, your views on Akong Rinpoche, there can be no doubt that he was an extremely important figure in Tibetan Buddhism, and there can be little doubt that he will be in a better place now.  His devotion to the Karmapa was really incredible. I'm sure he will be missed by all his disciples.  However, to many he will always remain somewhat of an unclear, ambiguous character.