I just watched Tiger’s press/public statement. Whatever his truth — whatever his past or future — he seemed very genuine, straight, humble(d), and believable. Guess we’ll see.
My biggest interest was when he spoke about his upbringing as a Buddhist. That didn’t surprise me in terms of how focused he’s been on the golf course, but of course, it’s hard to see any traces of his study of Buddhism in his behavior toward women, sexuality, and marriage.
I’ve studied Buddhism and been attracted to its tenets for a long time. I’ve always felt very strongly about its philosophy that it is our craving that is our undoing — whatever it is that we crave. I do try to create a life — day to day — where I have no attachment that would result in a desire to control outcomes or people.
It’s extremely hard to do and I’m equally successful and unsuccessful, and accordingly, I try to have no attachment to that success or failure either. If you’re interested, pick up a copy of The Teachings of the Compassionate Buddha. I’m somewhere along the Eightfold Path — but where exactly, I can’t say.
I’ve been harsh about Tiger … and right now, all I’m feeling is compassion. So, if his talk did nothing else than that — I think that’s worth it.
As long as that wasn’t his goal … 🙂