Worldly Winds

Read the shocking revelation about Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister contender in India, . It was when he declared himself as married  whilst filing his candidate papers that the public realised he has a wife. After the arranged marriage, he apparently convinced her to return to her parents' home to pursue her studies and then deserted her for 45 years ie. no contact. She, a retired teacher, is now a subject of media frenzy, used both as a pawn by Modi's rivals to tarnish him and at the same time by his supporters to boost his image for having an ideal Indian wife who is described as "obedient, dutiful, submissive and self-sacrificing". Apparently she is a very simple woman who fasts and prays for his welfare, owns only 5 saris, never demands anything and "accepts what comes her way".

To me this is a classic case of Fame and Shame, for both husband and wife,  depending on how people view it. Here lies the catch, the views are held by others, it is beyond one's control. Poor woman, I wonder how she is managing the unwanted limelight. I am sure she is not very well received by the young educated Indian women who have been protesting against gender inequality and disrespect since the Delhi rape incident. Will her husband end up blaming her if the situation dampens his chances?

Indeed Fame and Shame are just 2 of the 8 Worldly Winds that torment us. The other 6, usually mentioned in pairs include Praise & Blame, Gain & Loss, Pleasure & Pain. To abide by Buddhist teachings one should try not to be too affected by these winds which blow afflictions. Indeed a glance through the daily newspapers provide sufficient evidence,albeit of more severe examples. Today's news includes a senior banker who is accused of taking upskirt videos ( a case of lust for momentary pleasure, probably to distract some internal pain) and a divorced woman who is denied a monthly maintenance because she was already awarded close to $4m out of her husbands $10m assets (gain vs loss).Closer to everyday life, don't we all desire for praise/validation and are stabbed by blame at work and at home?

The 8 Worldly Winds blows all of us by varying speeds. Very often it comes and goes beyond our control. All we can do is be firm and avoid being uprooted in our mind.
It's a mind game.