- The most important thing we must do is to maintain a Bodhisattva mindset and view all living entities as needing liberation. We must re-affirm our dedication to free others as well as ourselves from the clutches of samsara and it's three agents, lust, anger and delusion.
- We must cultivate our practice whether it be meditation, chanting or a combination of both.
- Write anger free letters to your elected officials outlining your positions in a respectful and scholarly way and thank them for their service but remind them they are servants of the people's wishes and not corporate interests.
- Engage in inter-religious dialogue in a respectful way and remind others these are not religious issues but rather human problems that require human solutions.
- Engage others to vow NOT to engage in violent acts or vandalism as well as disavowing all actions that are harmful to anyone.
- Refuse to do business with companies which are engaging in harmful actions, transfer to local credit unions, eat and shop at smaller local markets and buy directly from local small farms.
- Write the presidents of corporations who are acting in an unethical manner in a respectful way, free of anger and hate and address why you choose not to use their products and services till they make positive changes.
- Donate food or money to local food banks and shelters, help an unfortunate person apply for a job or edit their resume. Email job postings to unemployed friends and even offer them a ride as well as tips for the interview. Coach people how to get through the interview process successfully.
- Offer to teach your practice to others, teach gratitude and always remain respectful to those who are positions of authority. Indignation is a extremely short term unhealthy emotion, engage the police and elected officials in positive dialogue free from anger and hatred and dissuade protesters from engaging in provocative non-productive behavior which paints everyone in a bad light. Remember the media does not cover the tens of thousands of people acting peacefully, they cover the one person acting violently.
- More important than carrying a sign and chanting angry slogans at equally angry people is to create a positive atmosphere and actions that will create lasting positive changes. So occupy your dharma NOT Wall St.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
10 Ways to Wage Dharma and Become the Change You Seek by Kevin C. Nelson
Over the past few months I've been involved with the election and I must confess that I'm quickly becoming disheartened by much of the hyperbole, misinformation as well as the tactics of those on the extreme Left and Right. I've been plagued by the questions, why is it so hard for people to look beyond their petty interests and work for the common good and why is it difficult for so many people to care about the basic needs of their fellow human beings? I've disengaged myself from my political activities somewhat for the sake of some deep soul searching as to how we can create a positive reaction from such a contentious struggle. I've come up with a few solutions to bridge the gap of distrust as well as some positive ways to "Wage Dharma" for the greater good and by no means is this all the ways that we can further universal justice and peace.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Enduring the Unendurable
It seems that in these very trying times it is is getting more difficult to get by and endure what seems unendurable. We are confronted with an economic crisis that is both staggering and the result of unmitigated greed. We are confronted with natural disasters of unbelievable proportion and magnitude. The people who are left to support the brunt of these circumstances are same people who are on the edge of the abyss. It seems like no one can foresee a bright future with the exception of those who are capitalizing on disaster. So, what is the solution ?
This world has seen an untold amount of disasters and an equal amount of recoveries from them as well. The Buddha reminds us that all compounded things are temporary and all the cause and conditions which caused the event are also subject impermanence. If we look at history as a whole we see similar events transpiring and we can understand that they have brought nations to a crossroad. We have to choose the right path in order to transcend the circumstances that have befallen us as nation, world, and as humanity. President Kennedy once noted," our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. "
We need to take an honest look at our society, it's problem, root causes and solutions. We need to hold corporations, politicians and our governments accountable for their actions. We also need to not lose our compassionate nature and forget about the most vulnerable in our society. We are headed for harder times but we shouldn't lose our humanity in the process. We should not punish children, the elderly and the most vulnerable in our society for the deeds of the greedy, callous and corrupt.
We as a society may have to provide more charity on an individual basis to make up for any short fall in our community. We can all donate to our local food banks, donate to United Way, volunteer a few hours a day to local charities, watch a child for a few hours while a mother goes to work or take an elderly person to a doctors appointment.
I urge everyone to write your public officials and ask them to stop the onslaught of funding cuts on children, the elderly and the poor while the most wealthy get unparalleled tax breaks. It is our Buddhist duty to speak the truth and find compassionate and fair solutions to human suffering but we must also not lose sight of spiritual solutions to material problems as well. The Eightfold Path is a perfect model of behavior for society but perhaps we need to teach them by personal example rather than simply by words.
This world has seen an untold amount of disasters and an equal amount of recoveries from them as well. The Buddha reminds us that all compounded things are temporary and all the cause and conditions which caused the event are also subject impermanence. If we look at history as a whole we see similar events transpiring and we can understand that they have brought nations to a crossroad. We have to choose the right path in order to transcend the circumstances that have befallen us as nation, world, and as humanity. President Kennedy once noted," our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. "
We need to take an honest look at our society, it's problem, root causes and solutions. We need to hold corporations, politicians and our governments accountable for their actions. We also need to not lose our compassionate nature and forget about the most vulnerable in our society. We are headed for harder times but we shouldn't lose our humanity in the process. We should not punish children, the elderly and the most vulnerable in our society for the deeds of the greedy, callous and corrupt.
We as a society may have to provide more charity on an individual basis to make up for any short fall in our community. We can all donate to our local food banks, donate to United Way, volunteer a few hours a day to local charities, watch a child for a few hours while a mother goes to work or take an elderly person to a doctors appointment.
I urge everyone to write your public officials and ask them to stop the onslaught of funding cuts on children, the elderly and the poor while the most wealthy get unparalleled tax breaks. It is our Buddhist duty to speak the truth and find compassionate and fair solutions to human suffering but we must also not lose sight of spiritual solutions to material problems as well. The Eightfold Path is a perfect model of behavior for society but perhaps we need to teach them by personal example rather than simply by words.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Take a Coffe Break for Japan
In these tough economic times it's hard to save money and give to charity when there are so many worthy causes that need our attention right now. So my proposal
is this, save the money you would spend on your Coffee shop or Starbuck's coffee and donate it to the Earthquake victims in Japan. I'm putting it in a jar daily and donating it to charity for the the duration of relief efforts. it's only two to three dollars a day and can make a very big impact in a small way. So, please consider this small endeavor and how it can make a small impact. the Buddha said," A large jar fills drop by drop". Thank you you for considering this small act of Dharma.
Gassho,
Kevin C. Nelson
is this, save the money you would spend on your Coffee shop or Starbuck's coffee and donate it to the Earthquake victims in Japan. I'm putting it in a jar daily and donating it to charity for the the duration of relief efforts. it's only two to three dollars a day and can make a very big impact in a small way. So, please consider this small endeavor and how it can make a small impact. the Buddha said," A large jar fills drop by drop". Thank you you for considering this small act of Dharma.
Gassho,
Kevin C. Nelson
Wage Dharma
In these arduous and trying times it is difficult to think beyond the purview of our immediate issues. But as Buddhists and as progressive people we are called to be at the forefront of troubling times. The Buddha did not shirk difficult situations but rather tried to use them as teaching tools to instruct people. How can we in light of recent events use these times to teach the Dharma. That will be the very purpose of this blog. I invite all of you to express your ideas but more than that, I invite you to wage Dharma in your homes, towns, offices and in your communities.
Things as simple as a kind word or gesture or donating a book to your local library. Aim for soft impacts not blatant in your face tactics. Buddhism is not about externals it's about internal changes. Aim to make positive subtle changes rather than short term superficial impacts. Let's explore simply ways to wage Dharma.
Simply by being happy and having a good disposition is an excellent way to wage Dharma. People obviously react more favorably to positive people rather than the sour grape variety of Buddhist, and I've met a few. Unfortunately the Buddhists who focus on suffering and release from it are only going to attract other miserable people. Our goals are simple and long term. I have often stated that our goal is to create a conspiracy of light in a darkening world. We can achieve this goal by simply putting our beliefs into action. Vote for initiatives that mirror your Buddhist beliefs and vote for politicians who believe in compassionate action and policies. Also write your politicians and legislators and persuade them to act and legislate in a compassionate way that benefits all.
In our personal lives we can make better choices in how we spend our money and who we privilege with our patronage. A thing as simple as buying groceries can impact our society for better or worse. Teachers and parents can plant the seeds of compassionate action in the the hearts of children. We can start businesses which use ethical means and which produce positive results for our society, environment and individuals. I invite everyone to contribute to this page and to make it a rallying point for ideas that can impact the world in a positive way.
Gassho,
Kevin C. Nelson
Things as simple as a kind word or gesture or donating a book to your local library. Aim for soft impacts not blatant in your face tactics. Buddhism is not about externals it's about internal changes. Aim to make positive subtle changes rather than short term superficial impacts. Let's explore simply ways to wage Dharma.
Simply by being happy and having a good disposition is an excellent way to wage Dharma. People obviously react more favorably to positive people rather than the sour grape variety of Buddhist, and I've met a few. Unfortunately the Buddhists who focus on suffering and release from it are only going to attract other miserable people. Our goals are simple and long term. I have often stated that our goal is to create a conspiracy of light in a darkening world. We can achieve this goal by simply putting our beliefs into action. Vote for initiatives that mirror your Buddhist beliefs and vote for politicians who believe in compassionate action and policies. Also write your politicians and legislators and persuade them to act and legislate in a compassionate way that benefits all.
In our personal lives we can make better choices in how we spend our money and who we privilege with our patronage. A thing as simple as buying groceries can impact our society for better or worse. Teachers and parents can plant the seeds of compassionate action in the the hearts of children. We can start businesses which use ethical means and which produce positive results for our society, environment and individuals. I invite everyone to contribute to this page and to make it a rallying point for ideas that can impact the world in a positive way.
Gassho,
Kevin C. Nelson
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