Becoming.

Becoming is one of the twelve links of dependent origination.  It immediately follows craving and fixation and is part of the larger cycle leading to birth, aging, sickness and death.

The source of becoming lies in suffering, pain and dissatisfaction. Our unresolved condition leads to the experience of a deep satisfaction and the desire to escape that pain and sorrow. Craving and desire gradually build and grow in our mind until we eventually become fixated and attached.

Atttachment can take many forms. We can be attached to physical forms, ideas, perceptions, and routines. We can be fixated on food, habits, mental states or feelings. Anything that we perceive to be a solution to the suffering we are trying to escape.

That attachment gives rise to becoming. Becoming forges new tendencies, new actions (karma!). It becomes the patterning that eventually gives rise to a new life.

We continually cycle through these experiences. Birth isn't just our birth into this life. We are always going through the cycles of birth and death. We enter into new relationships, new jobs, new endeavors. We manifest new aspirations, accomplish new goals.

Birth is the result of becoming. We live hundreds of lifetimes in this one life.

Birth always leads to aging, sickness and death. We eventually grow tired of the way things are. We start to notice the problems and inadequacy of situations. Things start falling apart. The truth of suffering once again becomes apparent in our lives.

The habit that we have is to then start the process of craving and desire all over again. Seeking out a new rebirth. Seeking out a better life.

In our confusion, we cycle again and again.

Primary occupation.

We live in a culture of accomplishment and becoming. We strive for success and recognition. We are told that your title is important and that moving up is a good thing. Each day we try to move more and more to done.

As Dharma practitioners, our primary work is the inner work of coming undone.

We work to loosen the tight knot of rigid beliefs and limiting concepts.
We work to let go of grasping onto our notion of self and our experience.
We work to undo the conditioning of biased perceptions and mistaken notions.
We work to untie the restricting fetters of negative emotions and mental states.
We work to undo the effects of ignorance and dualistic perception.
We work to let go of anger and attachment.
We work to escape from the confines of anxiety and feelings of helplessness.

We peel back layer after layer of our conception of self.
Layer after layer, we come undone.

The result of this work is that we become more open and honest about ourselves and who we are. Being more open and honest with ourselves, we can be more understanding and receptive to others.

Inner work, outer benefit. By doing the work, you benefit yourself. By doing the work, you empower yourself to benefit others. Bringing benefit to others, as a matter of fact, is part of your job description.