Presence through Simplicity

Crates of Thebes (360–280 BCE) was one of the pioneers of Cynicism. His notable disciple, Zeno of Citium, later founded Stoicism. This connection underscores the shared emphasis between both schools on confronting sources of shame and embracing vulnerability as pathways to happiness.

According to the ancient historian Diogenes Laertius in his Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Crates' life parallels that of Siddartha Gautama (the Buddha). Born into wealth, he renounced it all for philosophy—not due to witnessing death or suffering but inspired by the tragedy of Telephus.

In this tragedy, Telephus, wounded by Achilles, learns that only the spear that inflicted his wound can heal him. Disguising himself as a beggar, he seeks Achilles' assistance.

Motivated by this story, Crates sold his possessions and shared his wealth with the people of Thebes, embodying a classic act of renunciation. Thus, Cynicism, while demanding, offers a sensible approach to life.

At its core, Cynicism posits three fundamental principles: 1. The appropriate way to live aligns with the path of nature (physis). 2. Societal norms (nomos) distract us from this path. 3. The remedy lies in freeing ourselves from these norms through rational living.

For Cynics, the only certainty is the present moment. Thus, we must learn to inhabit the present, free from distractions of the past, future anticipations, or societal judgments.

To achieve this state of being, simplification is essential—though perhaps not as extreme as Crates' example. For instance, another Cynic, Antisthenes, maintained a modest home, and Crates eventually married and had children.

The early Cynics' shocking actions led to a misinterpretation of their philosophy, mistakenly suggesting they advocated for a life akin to that of dogs—derived from the Greek term Cyon. Instead, they were the original minimalists, promoting living simply to embrace the present. Here are two key practices to implement this wisdom.

1. The Practice of Elimination

In Plato's Republic, Socrates presents a thought experiment regarding freedom. He asks us to consider a tyrant ruling through fear. If stripped of his guards and thrown outside the city, would he still be free? This scenario suggests that the tyrant is enslaved by his possessions and status, having traded a simple life for gilded constraints.

This illustrates the Cynical practice of elimination: our belongings generally inhibit our freedom by diverting our focus from what truly matters. Instead of cherishing time with loved ones, we may find ourselves burdened by financial concerns or side hustles stemming from recent purchases.

We must engage in the ponos (Greek for “work” and “pain”) of decluttering our lives. While some Cynics were homeless, others maintained homes, indicating that there is no strict rule governing this practice. The challenge posed by Cynicism is:

> What can you eliminate today? What can you donate today?

Begin by identifying one area of your life—perhaps a room or closet—and clear out as much as possible.

Of course, this leads to another challenge: limiting the influx of unnecessary items into your life.

2. The Practice of Restriction

Have you ever acquired something you ended up disliking? My wife and I once received a large television that became a burden, dubbed “the grey beast.”

This cumbersome piece of technology, which was new at the time, weighed over 100 pounds and caused injuries during our frequent relocations. Eventually, I found a student willing to take it off my hands, and I felt relief as I watched it leave.

This illustrates another Cynical principle: many possessions can lead to unhappiness, often without our realizing it. Crates envisioned a utopia where only essential, non-controversial items were available, suggesting that living well requires restricting unnecessary clutter.

Before acquiring something new, ask yourself: what would collapse if you chose not to buy this item? To slow down your purchasing impulses, consider donating an equivalent amount before making a luxury purchase—it benefits both you and the community.

Cynical philosophy directs us toward presence by eliminating distractions, while Buddhism offers practices to redirect our focus from the external to the internal workings of our mind.

Presence through Concentration

Buddhism encompasses various philosophical traditions. My personal experiences as a university professor lead me to appreciate the work of Thich Nhat Hanh.

Nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King Jr., Nhat Hanh is a Zen Buddhist known for his "engaged" Buddhism, which aims to enact change through compassion.

In Old Path White Clouds, a narrative introduction to Buddhism, a king consults Gautama about detachment and love. The Buddha differentiates between needy attachment, which is problematic, and compassionate attachment, which is beneficial.

He advises the king:

> "Majesty, last year I visited my family in the kingdom of Sakya...I reflected on a nonviolent approach to governance. A compassionate ruler doesn’t resort to violence."

To cultivate compassionate love, one must first attain understanding, which is achieved by following the Eightfold Path.

Right Concentration (samyak samadhi) is a crucial aspect of this path. In The Heart of the Buddha’s Teachings, Nhat Hanh explains that we concentrate to be fully present. Through Right Concentration, we learn to inhabit the now.

While numerous practices enhance presence, Nhat Hanh identifies three primary forms of concentration: active, selective, and interpersonal.

3. Active Concentration

Active concentration involves focusing on the present moment as it unfolds. The goal is to acknowledge thoughts without clinging to them.

During my early exploration of Buddhist principles, my friend Kyle, a yoga instructor, invited me to a hot yoga class. He suggested we practice active concentration while waiting by lying on our backs and letting thoughts flow freely.

While Kyle remained tranquil, I found myself fidgeting, struggling to "get comfortable." My thoughts fixated on various topics, rather than letting them come and go.

Nhat Hanh's simple poem can aid in returning to this practice:

> In, out > Deep, slow > Calm, ease > Smile, release > Present moment, wonderful moment.

Reciting this poem can also serve as a form of selective concentration, helping to refocus your mind.

4. Selective Concentration

Selective concentration is the opposite of active concentration. Nhat Hanh explains that this involves choosing a single object of focus.

You might concentrate solely on your breath, a poem, a mantra, or a specific philosophical idea. Much of Zen training revolves around this, which can be practiced through various levels of activity.

Nhat Hanh describes concentration on impermanence, urging practitioners to see loved ones as impermanent and to cherish their happiness today. This focus is not about death but rather about liberation.

Some individuals may remain unchanged in life, yet the Buddhist perspective emphasizes that everyone has the potential to change. My grandfather's story exemplifies this—despite a tumultuous life, he made important changes late in life, reconnecting with family.

5. Interpersonal Concentration

Nhat Hanh introduces interpersonal concentration through a story from the Vietnamese epic poem Tale of Kieu. Kieu returns to find her beloved, Kim Trong, asleep at his desk. He inquires, “Are you really there, or am I dreaming?” Kieu responds, “If we do not deeply experience this moment, it will only be a dream.”

This illustrates that being fully present is vital for meaningful relationships. The essence of this practice is straightforward: listen.

Listen sincerely and without judgment, just as you would when practicing active concentration.

Matthew McConaughey shares an anecdote in his memoir Greenlights that emphasizes this point. After a swift rise to fame, he struggled to reconcile his celebrity status with his self-image. To find clarity, he retreated to a monastery, where a mentor patiently listened to him for hours.

At the end of this session, Brother Christian simply said, “Me, too,” highlighting the power of genuine presence in connection.

To truly connect with others, be present and listen to them—not just to what you think they mean, but to their underlying emotions. This practice is fundamental to a fulfilling life.

The Good Life

Nhat Hanh asserts that mastering Right Concentration is crucial for a good life, as presence allows us to avoid craving status or hoarding more than necessary.

Both ancient Greek Cynicism and Zen Buddhism advocate for present-mindedness leading to right action. Interestingly, this practical overlap stems from deeper theoretical commonalities.

Antisthenes (445–365 BCE), often regarded as the first Cynic, argued that we can only accurately say "A is A," emphasizing that only the present can be understood. Zen Buddhists similarly assert that language can distract from the truths accessible through intuition and meditation.

For Cynics, the path to living in the present involves simplification and decluttering. In contrast, Buddhists focus on concentration and mental clarity.

Each of these lessons is enlightening, as they reveal ways to enhance your life without incurring additional costs. They encourage you to embrace your current life, but with simplicity and mindfulness.

This wisdom transforms everything without altering external circumstances. When my wife and I were in St. Lucia, we realized that a different perspective on the same experience was all we needed.

I'll conclude with a quote from Nhat Hanh that encapsulates this lesson:

> The wave does not need to die to become water. She already is water.

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Sebastian Purcell specializes in comparative world philosophy, exploring how ancient teachings can guide us toward happier, more fulfilling lives. He resides in upstate New York with his wife, a fellow philosopher, and their three cats.