ZEN REMARKS (16)

16. Someone, critiquing the claim that the 'Prajna Paramita' is the supreme mantra that completely removes all anguish, comments 'but it doesn't, once and for all'. The comment is made in the context of a discussion of global warming and climate change. Indeed, it is difficult, on this eve of a new year, given our ongoing exploitation of the planet and its resources, not to face the coming of 2016 without some measure of anguish. But is this not, as the critic boldly states, at odds with the teaching of the 'Prajna Paramita Sutra'? However, what needs to be kept in mind here is that the feeling of anguish in the face of dire circumstances is not the same as being overwhelmed and paralysed by what is a perfectly natural response, at the emotional level, to those circumstances. The 'Prajna Paramita Sutra' teaches that a fully enlightened one, even while experiencing intense negative emotions, is nevertheless free to act in a committed and creative way in the service of the many beings. He or she feels anguish as much as the next person but is not dominated by it. Hence the sutra's claim that the 'Prajna Paramita' is the supreme mantra that completely removes all anguish.