dharmatalks

Today’s press conference, in which Tiger Woods publicly apologised for the suffering he caused his loved ones, owned up to the mistakes he’s made, and expressed a sincere desire to return to wisdom and teachings of the Buddhist spiritual philosophy that is part of his heritage, was an admirable gesture.

Was it necessary or newsworthy to interrupt whatever was on TV? I don’t know, because I don’t watch TV. But here’s what I think…

I think it was insane and an invasion of privacy to make such an absurd spectacle out of this man’s private life in the first place. I don’t think that when there are hundreds of thousands of people suffering in Haiti, in Darfur, in Mongolia, in Afghanistan and Iraq – people for whom we seldom interrupt our regularly scheduled programming for news updates – that it’s newsworthy or necessary to do what we’ve seen in Tiger Woods’ case.

That said, because such a media circus was made of his affair, and because kids look up to him as a role model, I applaud both what he did today and the idea of a press conference being held. I just question whether it was necessary to interrupt regularly scheduled programming, or if the announcements and apology could have simply been broadcast on the news and subsequent “entertainment” (tabloid) television programming.

Vowing to redouble his commitment to his Buddhist practice, “bringing all obstacles to the path”, as we say, Woods pointed out that the Dharma taught him that “craving for things outside ourselves causes unhappiness and leads to a pointless search for security”. Expressing a desire to “learn restraint” and stop “following every impulse”, he went on to say that he hopes to regain a sense of balance through his spiritual practice.

I read one article questioning whether the apology would “restore people’s faith in Woods”. What? I didn’t realise people were placing their “faith” in Woods, or that who he screwed or didn’t screw really had any impact on anyone but his wife, his family and his sexual partners. I personally find nothing magical, sacred or admirable about monogamy in any way, shape or form. I’m not particularly inclined to recognise any significant importance (let alone imaginary sacramental importance) in the “institution” of marriage. And I don’t know what the situation was in the private lives of Mr. and Mrs. Tiger Woods. So the matter doesn’t concern me.

If the American public showed as much concern for real issues… like the potential loss of lives that will occur unless we do something about the proposed Ugandan death penalty for HIV+ and gay men… like making sure that vitriolic, narrow-minded, hatemongering cults like the Roman Catholic and Mormon “churches” lose their tax-exempt status permanently, for their continued political action involvement (and the extortion-like tactics those hatemongering cults bring to the world)… to putting an end to the healthcare crisis… homelessness… animal cruelty… the oppression of the Tibetan people by the Chinese government… etc., then perhaps this world would become a better place.

Most importantly, I am disgusted by the intolerant and uncharitable comments being posted on Twitter, Facebook and on blogs, condemning Woods’ apology. Those familiar with the Twelve Step program (of which I am no fan, to be sure, since I believe the so-called “First Step” is patent bullshit and an unhealthy foundation on which to build recovery) know that part of the recovery process includes making amends for the “wreckage of one’s past”.

Today, Tiger Woods too another important step in his recovery, and I wish him nothing but the very best, as he continues along that journey. Today we saw a young man, who was once heralded as one of the greatest professional golfers of the “new generation” prove that when it comes to integrity, humility and maturity, dude’s got game!

Tiger, you owed the public NOTHING. But you’ve used the opportunity to do the right thing, and go a step further. And that, my friend, is leadership.

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

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“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa —
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

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Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, Khenpo Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.