Higher Criticism by Ajahn Brahm

Higher criticism the name itself might even provoke some form of criticism in our mind. How can any criticism be higher or better? And Ajahn Brahm delivered his several perspective on the topic on criticism and how we should view them.

The ultimate truth of all thing is change, the impermance of things and problem starts when we resist to change. Its the resistance to change that limits our growth and causes suffering. And the reason to resist changes is we hold on to belief too dearly.

As from a research done in Harvard, students are exposed to a picture in split seconds, nobody can guess anything. As the lecturer increase the exposure time, some guess the picture was a boat and only after a much longer exposure time, the student recognise it as the stairways of their campus. But fresh students that were exposed to an initial longer exposure, tend to give the right answer sooner. The former students having the initial guess of a boat blocks their mind to change their guess and thus limits their thoughts.

In politcs and religion, we see people dogmatise their belief, thinking things should behave certain way and putting self into the picture. Conflicts come when some one criticised them. But religion should be a sbject that stands criticism since truth should withstand questioning.

It is through criticism, we then grow. Ajahn Brahm shared that his teacher Ajahn Chah said, "When people says you are a dog, look at your bottom. If you don't have a tail then the abuse should not hurt you. And if you does have a tail, thank the abuser instead."

Sometimes we hold abuses too personally especially the abuse is directed to something you egoistically hold true. But nothing stays and if nothing stays, the criticism will not stay. And if we retaliate on the abuse, we might lose the chance to learn.

To deal with criticism, Ajahn Brahm advise to pause into silent for a while after the abuse has ended. Its an elegant way to allow the abuser to recall his own words and I find it the best chance for us to reflect on the validity of the claim. And if its valid, thank the abuser with gratitude, cause he has made you wiser.

One day, the foremost student of Buddha, Sariputra was criticise by a novice monk. Despite his elderly status, he accepted the criticism and went over to a tree to adjusted his robe and join back the road. And since that day on Sariputra humbly calls the novice a teacher whenever they meet. A sage with wisdom only seek to change for the better instead of arguing over things that is impermance and grows his ego.

Art of accepting criticism is even more important for people that holds high recognition and makes important decision. A leader that accepts criticism with wisdom will lead his follower to a happier tomorrow :)

May all be well and happy.