21 levels of Self-Deception: THIRD EDITION by Tom Wallace - HTML preview

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heights. Perhaps the motive is to avoid seeing the world as it really is, in its vulnerability and its pain.

Buddhism, despite recognising many of the problems inherent in religion, is still aspirational to an extent — with Nirvana or Enlightenment replacing Heaven. The pre-occupation with this world being essentially about suffering (or, more literally, ‘grasping’) might also lead to an aspirational mindset. Mindfulness often involves focusing on the present moment — a moment that nonetheless is often a moment of striving or struggle. Whilst there is clearly benefit in recognising and not denying grasping, there is nonetheless much in this world that is to be welcomed and enjoyed. There is a lot that is good about our embodiment and our lives in the here and now. Buddhists, of course, recognise the paradox. Aspiration towards a world free from desire is itself a desire. Despite Buddhism’s emphasis on suffering, the meditation and silence seem to be good ways to allow a person to recognise and embrace real life rather than to flee from it, deny it or see it as sinful and compromised. Meditation and silence are a means of letting go.

Our culture is also spiritual in a more general way in that it is unfailingly aspirational. The aspirations now, however, are more to do with material things, good looks, health, career and so on. Despite a widespread rejection of organised religion, ours remains a largely ‘ascendant’ culture; simply replacing religious, spiritual aspirations with material ones. It is a culture that is always looking for progress and not content just to be.

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