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.

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

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