Difference between revisions of "Flexibility"
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| − | Flexibility (mudutā)in the psychological sense is the quality of being able to see changes and nuances in a situation or principle and adjust to them accordingly. In the Mettā Sutta, the Buddha advocates flexibility together with several other rarely discussed but important virtues: ‘One should be capable, straightforward, very straightforward, easy to speak to, flexible and modest.’ (Sn.143). In the Jātaka he said: ‘Bend like a bow and be as pliant as bamboo, and then you will not be at odds with anyone.’ (Ja.VI,295). The Buddha’s flexibility is most apparent in his attitude to rules. He made rules for monks and nuns to address specific problems and he expected everyone to take them seriously and to abide by them. However, he was wise enough to understand that no rule can cover every possible situation, that situations change and, therefore, that rules should be changed when necessary. In the Vinaya we see how rules were adjusted and modified and just before his passing the Buddha told his disciples that they could change minor rules when the need arose (D.II,154). Intellectual flexibility (cittamudutā) is important also (Dhs.45). To have views and opinions but without being pedantic, dogmatic or rigid about them is an important aspect of detachment. See Skilful Means. | + | [[Flexibility]] ([[mudutā]]) in the [[psychological]] [[sense]] is the quality of [[being]] able to see changes and nuances in a situation or [[principle]] and adjust to them accordingly. In the [[Mettā Sutta]], the [[Buddha]] advocates [[flexibility]] together with several other rarely discussed but important [[virtues]]: ‘One should be capable, straightforward, very straightforward, easy to speak to, flexible and modest.’ (Sn.143). In the [[Jātaka]] he said: ‘Bend like a [[bow]] and be as pliant as {{Wiki|bamboo}}, and then you will not be at odds with anyone.’ (Ja.VI,295). The [[Buddha’s]] [[flexibility]] is most apparent in his [[attitude]] to rules. He made rules for [[monks and nuns]] to address specific problems and he expected everyone to take them seriously and to abide by them. However, he was [[wise]] enough to understand that no rule can cover every possible situation, that situations change and, therefore, that rules should be changed when necessary. In the [[Vinaya]] we see how rules were adjusted and modified and just before his passing the [[Buddha]] told his [[disciples]] that they could change minor rules when the need arose (D.II,154). [[Intellectual]] [[flexibility]] ([[cittamudutā]]) is important also (Dhs.45). To have [[views]] and opinions but without [[being]] {{Wiki|pedantic}}, {{Wiki|dogmatic}} or rigid about them is an important aspect of [[detachment]]. See [[Skilful Means]]. |
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[http://www.buddhisma2z.com/content.php?id=137 www.buddhisma2z.com] | [http://www.buddhisma2z.com/content.php?id=137 www.buddhisma2z.com] | ||
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[[Category:Buddhist psychology]] | [[Category:Buddhist psychology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 12:31, 21 April 2014
Flexibility (mudutā) in the psychological sense is the quality of being able to see changes and nuances in a situation or principle and adjust to them accordingly. In the Mettā Sutta, the Buddha advocates flexibility together with several other rarely discussed but important virtues: ‘One should be capable, straightforward, very straightforward, easy to speak to, flexible and modest.’ (Sn.143). In the Jātaka he said: ‘Bend like a bow and be as pliant as bamboo, and then you will not be at odds with anyone.’ (Ja.VI,295). The Buddha’s flexibility is most apparent in his attitude to rules. He made rules for monks and nuns to address specific problems and he expected everyone to take them seriously and to abide by them. However, he was wise enough to understand that no rule can cover every possible situation, that situations change and, therefore, that rules should be changed when necessary. In the Vinaya we see how rules were adjusted and modified and just before his passing the Buddha told his disciples that they could change minor rules when the need arose (D.II,154). Intellectual flexibility (cittamudutā) is important also (Dhs.45). To have views and opinions but without being pedantic, dogmatic or rigid about them is an important aspect of detachment. See Skilful Means.
