Tesshin used this week’s talk to discuss the problem of “Cognitive Dissonance.”  This is the state when an individual cannot reconcile facts with deeply held beliefs.  We commonly see this today with political matters, but Tesshin warned us this also occurs in all realms of life – including the spiritual realm.  The real question is how do we live with integrity, truth, and wisdom – and how do we resist the desire to cling to our beliefs.

 

Tesshin went on to relate how his own son had to come to grips with his beliefs.  Like all nine year old boys, his son is totally fascinated by sharks – and as this is July and “Shark Week” is on TV – Tesshin found himself parked in front of the TV all week with his son.  At the beginning of the week his son firmly believed that that an ancient, extinct, and “cool!” species of shark called the Megalodon still had to exist somewhere in today’s ocean.  (Of course, it does not help that Hollywood is coming out with an entire monster movie based on the Megalodon!)  The son stubbornly continued to believe this even as scientist after scientist on TV clearly noted that this species was totally extinct.  It was only after the last show where scientists conclusively proved that the ancient shark could not exist that the child finally relented.  Tesshin noted the deep disappointment and commented how his son was affected because his cherished belief was obliterated and that it was “unfair!”  

 

Tesshin next gave other examples.  It is not too hard to see how people cling to beliefs about our current political leaders.  For instance, he noted that he particularly disliked the current president as a person, but upon closer consideration, had to admit that some of the president’s policies were valid.  Tesshin also commented about how Westerners cling to many mistaken beliefs about Zen and Zen centers.  Teachers are commonly seen as magical beings that possess answers to all questions and have no faults.  Of course, this is not the case, and “teacher worship” is actually counterproductive to practice.

 

Tesshin next commented on how our deeply held beliefs mesh together and any challenge to one belief can call someone’s whole system of being into question.  This may explain why innocent questions on minor topics – say choice of food – may provoke a violent reaction. A food preference could be tied to religion, politics, culture, etc.  Is it any wonder that people are finding it harder and harder to get along?

 

It seems that people are more subject to cognitive dissonance today than years ago – why is this?  People have access to so much more knowledge today than they did even 30 years ago.  It is understandable that people would be superstitious 200 years ago when it was unclear why your relative got sick and died.  Having a strong belief was your only defense against the unpredictable world.  However, this is not our problem today.  Today, we have the knowledge, but we are still human, and as such, we are subject to cling to deeply held beliefs.  We define our self by these beliefs.  Tesshin smiled and noted that this is one of the key messages of our practice.  NOT TO CLING!

 

Finally, Tesshin wrapped up the talk by challenging each of us to the following exercise…

•After meditating, ask yourself – what do I believe in which I know to be false?

•How does this false belief diminish me?