Episode 79 – Random Labeling

Random labeling, or kuntag in Tibetan, is a two-step process: first we select some portion of our perception and give it a label; then, once we’ve done that, we fixate on it and make it solid • we make something that really doesn’t exist into something that’s seemingly solid, and we do that over and over again • there’s a famous saying: “Fish don’t exist” • there are lots of things swimming around in the sea that do exist, but “fish” don’t really exist; “fish” is just a label • it’s natural to group things into categories and then give those categories names • the problem arises when labeling leads to fixating—making what is arbitrary seemingly solid and unchangeable, something to be fought over and obsessed about • where did the label come from? It came from a random thought • random labeling is no joke; it closes up the open expanse of mind • it perpetuates our own suffering, and the suffering of those around us.