The Buddhist Tripod

Three simple questions: "Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?" They have come in handy this week, as fatigue begins to grow and patience begins to dissolve. What has also come in extremely handy is having a savvy roommate who is not afraid to say, "You're not going to post *that,* are you?" I take a step back, drop my pride, and try to resume practising the other bits of Buddhist philosophy: loving kindness, compassion, and open understanding. I try to remember the three questions before I say something to someone who's getting up my nose.
 
Am I good at it? Debatable. Is it worth it? Undeniably yes.
 
I realize it's probably another middle-aged Vancouver Island stereotype, studying what the Buddha said, and frankly I think it's a philosophy, not a religion. I don't think old Bood thought he was a god. And to me, the spine of this philosophy is "Get Over Yourself." Quite handy when I'm tempted to snarl at yoga students who dare put their mats too close to mine. Or who get their feet in my face during floor postures. Or who, you know, breathe goddamned wrong when I'm in the same room. Assholes.
 
This has been your Why Am I Up So Early On Sunday? meditative moment.