I see that in the Olympics, what little I've seen or read of it, that the opportunities present themselves for Buddha nature to shine through, and sometimes that is just what happens: a runner helping another runner up after a fall, a teammate being gracious instead of hogging the limelight, hugs of joy for the opposite team. The press jumps on all this, but also highlights the unsportsmanlike conduct of participants, the inappropriate comments, the fury across the face of a disappointed competitor. In other words, business as usual. When people describe yet another bad behavior at a wedding or funeral in an astounded tone, I usually reply: stress brings out the best and worst in us, and the triggers are legion.
These young people at the Olympics are no doubt drilled in their public faces, but exhaustion and disappointment can have words flying out of their mouths that are regrettable and inflamatory. And the internet reaction is so swift that these individuals can be haunted for a long time over the impulse of a split second. We should have compassion for them and also a sense of humor.
And for the people rising above the level and competition and combativeness, lets revel in how the best in us can inspire others and remind us we can soar in adversity, and make the experience our own. We can model what's important, and when we do, being a human being feels like a gift and a treasure.
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