Question
I have read that the Buddha traveled India trying to teach rulers and merchants to be just and wise. It seems he was not only preaching his Way, but also offering practical advice for laypeople. Is it possible for me to be enlightened while also striving for social causes, such as the equal or fairer distribution of resources, or environmental preservation? I can see that perhaps these beliefs should not exist as something distinct or dogmatic, but as a natural part of one’s overall intuitive view. Sometimes, though, I hear it said that one’s vocation does not matter as long as one follows the Way. Surely this does not make sense! If samurai had used their insight to build a happy and prosperous world instead of killing each other over territory, surely this would have been better for everyone by any sane standard! They had plenty of opportunity to do so. Is this a question of balancing intuition against beliefs, or simply having better intuition than the samurai had?
Gordon Blair
Master Kosen’s answer
If you are ever enlightened, this kind of question will no longer even arise.
Kosen