Death by Numbers
For the purpose of the present document, I will focus only on the Seven Deadly Sins, although the concept of sin in Christianity manifestly covers a broader scope. For example, I could also have elaborated on the Ten Commandments, the Original Sin, and the categories of mortal, venial, and eternal sins.
The deadly sins, or capital sins, are thus called because they are considered to engender other sins and vices. They are typically defined as follows :
[source : S even Deadly Sins entry in Wikipedia ]
Looking Westwards
I find it interesting to note that, when stated as above, the seven capital sins all appear to be articulated around the relationship between self and others. The reflection applies even in the less obvious instances of gluttony and sloth, where the core idea is that one keeps for themselves what could be useful to the community.
From the perspective of one who is familiar with Oriental philosophy, this is evidently evocative of the fundamental poison of ignorance, the belief that the I exists independently of everything else.
In an epoch characterized by an upsurge in individualism, perhaps it is no wonder that our civilization is facing planetary crises, the solutions to which must reside primarily in an improved understanding of our true nature. Possibly, we are collectively off-target by a wide margin.
Looking Backwards
The list has manifestly evolved over time. Although it once was the opposite, in some classifications sloth now includes acedia, which is presented in various manners that suggest melancholy, apathy, discouragement, and dejection.
Similarly, envy was traditionally sorrow, or despair, and then sadness at another's good fortune.
In the Avatamsaka Sutra, one of the most important scriptures of the Buddhist canon, chapter twenty-six is dedicated to the Ten Grounds, that are basically stages on the way to enlightenment. The first is known as the ground of Great Joy, or of Happiness.
These observations further substantiate the notion that hitting the mark is ordinarily accompanied by joyous feelings. In contrast, sorry spirits, which are notorious for attracting disagreeable occurrences, are not only associated with error, but can be regarded as sins in themselves.
Looking Inwards
My experiences of sloth mostly amount to oversleeping when approaching deadlines. In such occasions, it seems best to get in vertical posture as soon as my eyes open, lest the cosmos propose me an aggravating reminder that time is precious later on. In those cases, I also often receive very clear cues from my dreams, that are unusually disturbing and contain hints of events that I would rather remain oblivious to. I figure their purpose is to dissuade me of continuing the horizontal inactivity.
Gluttony for me mostly recalls instances of eating too much or too close to bedtime. As far as I can tell, this tends to engender mind killings without physical component, typically translating into temporary losing sight of the vision that otherwise drives my undertaking.
I find myself guilty of wrath more frequently that I would like to admit. For example, when the tools I consult as navigational aids, such as tarot readings and horoscopes, fail to warn me of upcoming challenges, I'm inclined to express my discontent towards my guardian angels and their superiors. In response, they generally notify me that I'm walking on thin ice. Then, I realize in retrospect that I could have interpreted the predictions differently. On the whole, my history in relation to anger confirms this quote attributed to the Buddha :
« Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. »
Looking Onwards
In the context of the creative process, in terms of nurturing the mind, some of the more psychological capital transgressions appear distinctly counterproductive to me.
Envy strikes me as the obvious illustration. The jealous or covetous person focuses on perceived lack, on what they deem to be missing. It is similar to concentrating on distance instead of on destination. How could such a cultivation ever encourage arrivals ?
As always, turning one's attention back to the endeavour provides the most efficacious antidote, or at any rate it does for me.
Thank God It's Friday
As an aside, and at the risk of offering myself as a target for lapidation, I suggest that the worldly career of Jesus Christ might have persisted longer had he upheld Buddhist ethics and refrained from drinking with his buddies at the Last Supper.
So, to the supplication reportedly voiced while on the cross :
« My God, my God, why have you forsaken me ? »
I submit a proper answer would have been :
« Because drinking wine is sin even on Good Friday, my Son. »
Sometimes I Get It Right
Up to this point I have mostly considered the presumably less appreciated dimensions of the question of sin. My reflections on missing the mark, its meaning and its consequences, being now hopefully sufficiently clear, I will propose an examination of the matter of hitting the mark.
