A Bit of Enlightenment on Enlightenment

On Sept. 3, an eclectic crowd of university members, press, and visitors from various parts of the globe gathered on NEIU's campus for a vegetarian luncheon in honor of Venerable Chi Chern, President of the Malaysian Buddhist Institute. Thanks to the efforts of NEIU's Chinese Students Club and University Honors Society, all in attendance were given the opportunity to ask questions from this well respected Buddhist monk, author, artist, calligrapher, and educator.

The Zen conference and luncheon was held in the midst of a day-long cross-cultural series of events which included a meditation workshop, art lecture and reception, peace fire, calligraphy demonstration and tea ceremony. Through an interpreter, Venerable Chi Chern thoughtfully answered a wide range of inquiries, concerning social/political issues, globalization, and health, to name a few.

When approached on the topic of medicine and its relationship to Buddhist philosophy, Chern observed that in every culture the art of healing is practiced, depending on the environment and cultural practices one is a part of. In Buddhism, there is a segment which deals specifically with healing of the body. Chern predicted that globalization may better help to heal those that are in need, by making the help of healers and educators more accessible via modern conveniences such as the World Wide Web.

It is Chern's wish to see the many different practices and forms of healing which take place across the globe to be merged into one, all-encompassing theory, or approach of sorts. On globalization, Chern cited a few other positive aspects. According to Chern, "Buddhists are using the internet to communicate and destroy myths related to the Buddhist religion." The net also helps to reduce the physical space between all people, thus bridging together people from all areas of the globe.

Asked about his feelings on heavy issues such as abortion and the death penalty, Chern explained that his Buddhist sect believes in non-violent approaches, and this includes the killing of any living being, young or old. However, he said, there are exceptions to the rule. For example, when a woman is raped or emotionally unstable and cannot fend adequately for her child or self, abortion is considered as the alternative. "In my ideal Buddhist world, there would be no harm and peace only. This is an idealistic concept, one which [I] strive to achieve in the realities of a chaotic world," Chern said.

One must note, however, that some Buddhist societies implement the death penalty. Chern stated that this decision is solely a product of a society and its cultural/social practices and norms.

The Zen master offered his observations regarding some obstacles Western people may face in their meditation practice. For starters, Chern said, although there are cultural and environmental differences each society encounters as a whole, there are many similarities regarding the difficulties in the practice of meditation. The major difficulty East and West both share in the practice? We are all simply too busy in our lives to get the most out of it.

The major differences between Eastern and Western practitioners of meditation are the cultural backgrounds separating the two. Chern said, "The motivation for the approach to meditation differs, so the difficulties each faces will differ." He cites Asian cultures which expose youngsters to the practices of meditation, may induce a higher level of expectation-the reaping of benefits on not only physical, but a spiritual level. A different expectation therefore may exist for the Western student/practitioner, who may not have been exposed to meditation while growing up, and have therefore the goal of reducing body stresses and tension, and not spiritual enlightenment.

Chern offers a few tips for individuals new to meditation, specifically students. First, with a hectic schedule, the need to prioritize time becomes crucial, as the practice of meditation can be put to the side and forgotten. Secondly, Chern stresses that practice is enhanced by the instruction of a good teacher. Also, the switching of teachers is not recommended, as there is then limited consistency for the student on the pathway to successfully practicing. Third, keep in mind that meditation is a long evolved process which requires patience and devotion on the part of the student.

Chern offers that new students to meditation are usually over anxious to achieve quick results, and in doing so, often give up in the early stages of practice. The biggest hurdle to overcome, Cher said, is to "change your thinking." The Zen master explains, "It takes effort, time, patience, and resolve. Stick with it, and you will reap the benefits of meditation.