Babies are the epitome of innocence, untainted by the world, pure - like the meme of the 3 wise monkeys would suggest. In the Buddhist tradition “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” is about avoiding evil thoughts and deeds. It’s also been interpreted as choosing to ignore indecent or dishonest behavior. Either way the ultimate meaning is about mature people taking responsibility for how they think and act. Today it can be hard to discern what is true, right or good in a given situation.
We rely on five senses - sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch - to perceive physical reality. Now even our senses can mislead us, especially with deep fakes and AI messing with information and the media. Beyond sensing the external, there is also internal sensing - how we categorize that raw data. We label, construct ideas and opinions, and internalize beliefs; we then usually selectively pick out data to confirm that view. (Hello, information silos!) These thoughts and beliefs elicit a range of feelings, pleasant or unpleasant - and reactions.
We can also take in certain input as presented - be conditioned not to question. Critical thinking and “fact-checking” what is empirically true has become more difficult in an environment of rabid dis-and-mis information. Beyond spin and cherry-picking facts we now have - alternative facts. The best information is reality-based and aspires to present the most objective truth possible.
False information can be spread unwittingly (careful with reposting!) without intent to mislead. Just getting a fact wrong is misinformation. Deliberately misleading, manipulative narrative from bad actors with an agenda is disinformation. It’s also called propaganda. Enough alternative facts can eventually morph into a completely fabricated picture of reality. Intentional deception with an ulterior motive is the most dangerous form of disinformation.
All this affects our ability to make “informed” choices; informed by a consensus view of reality. No level of “debunking” can puncture an alternative reality completely divorced from what is actually happening in the real physical world.
Buddhism calls out ignorance, delusion and greed as the “three poisons” in a person or society. In modern terms we may speak of a toxic person, situation or relationship. All three of these can be mitigated by belonging to a diverse group - whether family, friends or a community. Ignorance can be cured with education from a trusted source. Delusion can be dispelled by encountering a conflicting narrative or personal experience. Greed, which requires an isolated and separate view of oneself, can be moderated by relationship.
Ultimately it's all about connection! No wonder disinformation is running rampant at this time, when loneliness is epidemic and the social fabric has become looser. Even with connection, there is still a need for discernment. Judge for yourself what seems like a practical reality, makes common sense or is reasonable.
If you read my blogs, you know I always come back to the same theme. Is it respectful? Is it helpful? Does it promote peace? Is it loving? Love IS the ultimate healer. With that as your litmus test, it will predispose you to a positive range of thoughts and emotions. We’ll be better off, and create a better world, through that filter. It’s how I choose to live my life, even though that preference might lead to a slightly biased interpretation of facts!
Peace, love and healing -
Bear
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