The Engaged Part of Engaged Buddhism
Friday, 28. September 2007, 13:49:59
"Individuals must learn how to bring the level of hatred and anger down in themselves and in their families so they can support our political leaders, who must do the same thing. Then, when we have enough compassion, we can help the other group of people we might have called enemies to do the same."
- Thich Nhat Hanh, in an interview published in U.S. Catholic entitled "What Would Buddha Do?" (Full article available at http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-1208719/What-would-Buddha-do-An.html)
"Aware that words can create suffering or happiness, I am committed to learning to speak truthfully and constructively, using only words that inspire hope and confidence. I am determined not to say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people, nor to utter words that might cause division or hatred. I will not spread news that I do not know to be certain nor criticise or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will do my best to speak out about situations of injustice. . ."
- The Ninth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing
- Thich Nhat Hanh, in an interview published in U.S. Catholic entitled "What Would Buddha Do?" (Full article available at http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-1208719/What-would-Buddha-do-An.html)
"Aware that words can create suffering or happiness, I am committed to learning to speak truthfully and constructively, using only words that inspire hope and confidence. I am determined not to say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people, nor to utter words that might cause division or hatred. I will not spread news that I do not know to be certain nor criticise or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will do my best to speak out about situations of injustice. . ."
- The Ninth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing
Dear Friends,
At first, when I began this practice, it seemed like the notion "Peace in Oneself, Peace in the World" was some sort of wishful thinking. I was deeply engaged in the work of advancing the status of women, young people, minorities, and immigrants around the world and in the DC area. Stopping to breathe, or rest, or eat mindfully, or any of the practices I now treasure felt like self-indulgent avoidance strategies.
But now, years later, I have a different understanding. Just like it is nearly impossible to write a song of my own while a stereo is blaring in the background, so, too, is it nearly impossible to have much insight to offer in any situation of conflict ~ whether it is at work, with a family member, or in a more abstract yet absolutely important global issue such as the genocide in Darfur, the health of the planet, or the current crisis in Myanmar (Burma).
This coming Monday, after we have "turned down the volume" by sitting and walking, we will have the opportunity to practice offering support to political leaders. As a practice, we will write a "love letter" to the political leader of our choice on an issue that has been troubling us. In the letter, we will practice communicating with that person from a place of compassion and understanding (recognizing that we may have a different view from theirs), with the deep aspiration of helping them to see the situation more completely, so that they will be able to make wiser decisions.
These letters will be completely confidential, unless people choose to share. The issue, and the person to whom they are addressed, are up to each individual practitioner. And whether or not you choose to send the letter is also in your hands.
If you are reading this in a place far from where our little sangha meets, you are invited to practice this exercise yourself. If you'd like to write to share how it is for you, by all means do so.
Looking forward to our time together on Monday.
