Dukka and Interpretation

This is the second of six weeks looking at Dukkha from various angles.

So for these six weeks we are looking at Dukkha, or some ways in which we make life hard for ourselves. Dukkha is that ‘second arrow’ – the first arrow is something that happens and the second arrow is what we add on top through our thinking. In these six weeks we are looking at some ways in which we make second arrows. We are particularly looking at some ways in which our brains build up the picture of reality – how they create meaning. This week we’ll look at interpretation.

The mind gets sense impressions, from the eyes, the ears etc, and interpretation is how it makes sense of them. You might say interpretation is how it turns external input into something in the internal map of reality, so that it has its place and its characteristics and so that the best response can be chosen.

Here is someone else’s description of interpretation , which I can’t improve on:

(From Subhuti, Mind In Harmony, p.44)

There is a notion there that we ‘try out’ different interpretations until we find one we hook onto. For instance while listening to me you are perhaps all evaluating: does this sound plausible, make sense, fit in with how I think the world works, can I try it out, accept it, reject it?

Or if listening to an argument, you might evaluate the two points of view and make your own guess or interpretation as to where the truth lies.

Interpretation can deepen over time. So our first interpretation of something will probably be based on stock classifications, but if we keep pondering the situation a deeper, more sophisticated interpretation can emerge – and our response to the situation may be better as a result. To do this is it is helpful to try to look at the situation from all angles – including from the points of view of all people involved – and to try to objective i.e. not too hung up on our own emotions. It can also be helpful to look at the situation from the perspective of time or space.

Reflection

For the reflection, we need a recent situation where it wasn’t clear how to interpret it, or wasn’t clear how to respond. Everyone thought of something? OK. (perhaps if you are stuck, something from a TV drama or even from politics could do)

Closing the eyes, feeling the bum on the seat, the feet on the floor. Feeling that contact and solidity. Perhaps taking a couple of deep breaths and then letting the breath settle into an even rhythm. Tuning into the sensations of breathing. They are always there as an anchor if the thoughts get too scattered or go out of control.

Is it possible to notice different interpretative ‘takes’? […]

Is it possible to notice different possible responses or judgements that arise from those ‘takes’? […]

Is it possible to notice different emotional colours arising from those ‘takes’? […]

Are some interpretations deeper than others? Anything to notice about this? […]

<a little more time> Now letting the reflection dissolve, and coming into meditation.