Truth is Fast

Did you know that truth is fast or quick? This means reality is what comes first. If we want to know what we are like, then look at our first reaction, our quickest reaction to things. For example, if we see a $100 bill on the street or an attractive naked person in bed, or, if someone unfairly insults you...What is the first reaction. What is the quickest thing that happens inside of you? That's the reality of what you are.

If our greed, our lust, our anger, even though it occurs for a split second (if it's first) that's what's real. Even though a second later we think corrective thoughts, ideal and values and other pretty rationalizations, such coverings up are not good enough.

The important thing in Buddhism is the quickness. If we can be quicker than any foolish thought or emotion, this is to be wise. This is to lead a Buddhist life.

Maybe we can say it's the Buddhist fast lane. We should live in the Buddha's fast lane. Of course, this is to be distinguished from the usual phrase of the Hollywood fast lane type of life. Perhaps the Hollywood fast lane is actually opposite to the Buddhist Fast lane. In the Hollywood fast lane we're talking about such aspects as strong ego, pride and superficialities. Whereas, in the Buddhist fast lane, we are talking about living life without ego; without pretension. It's a natural kind of life.

This kind of speed, when things happen and your reaction, boom, there it is, can be seen in other experiences, such as love at first sight. When you love a piece of art or a person, it's right there, boom, it happens; it's a reaction you have. You don't say I think I might love that person. It is the same in humor. When something tickles your funny bone you laugh. You don't think "Gee, maybe that's kind of funny, maybe I should laugh."

In Buddhism it's the speed, the quickness. To be wise is to be always quicker than any foolish thought or emotion. This is to always be in Paradise. So, come on over to the fast lane. Come onto the Buddhist fast lane.