PUTTING ON A SHOW
Source:
by Master Hsing Yun date: 03/24/2003
Putting on a show usually refers to
the various kinds of performances in the entertainment business. However, people
also consider actions or displays of anyone in public as putting on a show, meaning
they are showing off and looking for attention or praise of others.
Naturally
some people tend to overly posture and inappropriately show off their talents
trying to stand out above others. These are not good shows. Moreover, there are
people who like to get airtime in the media with gimmicks and perform "talk
shows" with little or no substance. Their purpose is solely to promote themselves.
They have certainly spoiled the reputation of such shows.
In reality, putting
on a show is not entirely bad, for instance, when it is for people engaging in
charity work, the promotion of new products or the government publishing national
policies. Celebrities with wholesome images are invited as spokespersons giving
positive demonstrations to society. We cannot negate any of these benevolent acts
as putting on a show.
In Chinese history, there were many examples of historic
acts such as Emperors Yao and Shun abdicating their throne to the best candidate,
Confucius conducting "Decorum," and Mencius traveling the country teaching
the benefits of benevolent governance. In addition, emperors might grant a general
amnesty, issue an edict publishing their own mistakes or hold a universal celebration
with all nationals. In Chan Buddhism, there were renowned koans such as the Fifth
Patriarch visiting Huineng in the mills at night to make an appointment with him
for the third watch to pass him the Dharma, and Chan Master Zhao Chiao resting
in his bed when receiving Emperor Zhao. If we take all of the above as putting
on a show, we are being vastly inappropriate!
When we are born into the world
and go through aging, sickness, and death, we are actually putting on a show our
whole lifetime. Children play cute to win the smile and love of their parents;
youths love to look good and are full of bravado in making promises; and young
adults are passionate, courageous, and righteous in starting their career. As
women grow from being young girls into puberty, they may in turn be shy or prudent.
Are they all merely putting on a show? Of course, when people are keen about looking
pretty, putting on make-up, and pursuing the latest trends, they are putting on
a show. However, aren't these shows life itself?
Architects design buildings,
sculptors create pieces of art, painters portray paintings of landscapes, and
chefs cook a feast of gourmet food are doing what they do best in their special
fields. We may consider their actions as putting on a show. However, what are
they supposed to do otherwise?
A famed Chinese philosopher once said, "Young
people compete in memory, middle-aged people wisdom, and old people states of
mind." Life is a stage. When we are onstage, we should be our own director
in expressing ourselves and bringing our talents and skills to full play. As for
how wonderful the show can be, it all depends on our individual performance.