Though thou shouldest be going to live three thousand years, and as many times ten thousand years, still remember that no man loses any other life than this which he now lives, nor lives any other than this which he now loses. The longest and shortest are thus brought to the same. For the present is the same to all, though that which is past is not the same; and so that which is lost appears to be a mere moment. For a man cannot lose either the past or the future: for what a man has not, how can any one take this from him?
Meditations 2.14
One of the more common themes that comes up when I discuss Stoicism is its similarities to other philosophies. Both Stoicism and Jesus teach about loving your neighbor, respect for all people, and the divinity therein. Additionally, both value the idea of controlling one’s impulses and moderation. Perhaps more important, both saw value in training oneself to the pursuit of virtue. The Stoics called it Askesis (or training designed to achieve virtue). In the Bible, St Peter tells us…
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith excellence, to excellence, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness.
2 Peter 1:5-6
Mohammed teaches that the ideas of both giving of one’s wealth (Zakah) and fasting (Shawm) are pillars of the Islamic faith. The Stoics would find both of these ideas compatible with their own philosophy. Furthermore, one does not get more Stoic than:
“Islam says we have control over our feelings, emotions, and personal actions. Our test lies in how we respond to what happens around us.
However, one set of ideas which constantly surfaces in connection with Stoicism is Buddhism. Both philosophies espouse similar ideas about tranquility, patience, serenity, and, as we see from our quote today, mindfulness.
In today’s quote, Marcus Aurelius exhorts us to remember to live in the moment as much as is possible. In the stress and anxiety of a modern life, it can be hard to slow down and remember that the only moment that matters, the only one we can affect, the only time that even truly exists is the present one. If we can focus our energies, our intentions and our efforts on the present moment, more than we dwell in the past, or stress over the future, we have a far better chance to find that level of Ataraxia (tranquility) for which we all search.
Buddhism teaches mindfulness as well, and while there may be some disagreement on how best to achieve Ataraxia or enlightenment, the fact remains that mindfulness is key to the process.
The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.
When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Be where you are, otherwise you will miss your life.
If the problem can be solved why worry? If the problem cannot be solved worrying will do you no good.
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
– Buddha
In some ways, I know I am cheating with this post because I am using quotes to make my point. But the reality is, this is nothing new. Stoicism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam have all been around for thousands of years. Each one has core ideas which differ, but each also has core ideas which are almost identical. Separated by culture, language, politics and centuries, all of these philosophies have commonalities which seem ever present. These and religions I haven’t discussed today all contain ideas which ring true regardless of which god one prays to.
I am never going to be the man who can or would tell anyone what to believe. But if I may be so bold as to suggest a manner by which we can begin to divine truth, I shall. If there are themes, ideas, and beliefs commonly held by several major religions, which are present in philosophies that are millennia old, there may truth in them. Mindfulness is one of those truths.