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.

1. 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.
2. We must cultivate our practice whether it be meditation, chanting or a combination of both.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Engage others to vow NOT to engage in violent acts or vandalism as well as disavowing all actions that are harmful to anyone.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.