Compassion in Action
We have the power to make huge change in the world without needing to be a politician, celebrity, or spiritual leader. Every voice you put out, every action you take will never go in vain. They will become part of this cumulative force that can tilt a whole society into new direction.
Sojong Reminder from Anam Thubten 03/2017
Dear Dharma friends,
It is important to ask questions, such as, is it enough to just practice meditation or sadhana on the cushion? Are we becoming self-indulging dharma junkies unless we go out and take concrete actions, taking care of the poor, fighting for justice on the behalf of the weak? Since altruistic actions are integral parts of our spiritual practice, we should aspire to engage with the world and to get involved in social or political issues. This can be regarded as a way of Bodhisattva.
As a Dharma practitioner, we need to help others by cultivating compassion and love in action, and also to try to change the world or our society for the better. The world needs help from each of us. We might regard ourselves as ordinary, and think that we can not do anything for humanity. The usual voice of inner resistance is this thought, 'Oh, I'm just one person. The world is too big.' The truth is that every human is powerful in their own way. We have the power to make huge change in the world without needing to be a politician, celebrity, or spiritual leader. Every voice you put out, every action you take will never go in vain. They will become part of this cumulative force that can tilt a whole society into new direction.
On my recent trip to Malaysia, after a long period of sitting meditation that lasted a week, one of our sangha members arranged for our group a trip to a refugee center that hosts many kids who escaped from Myanmar. We offered them food and spent time with them. Some people from our sangha offered performances, from a tantric dance to a pop music dance. We all laughed and ate together. There was this sense that we're the same, human beings, and we are all refugees. There was joy in many of our friends by feeling that we're doing something that is not for ourselves. Our human heart is naturally big, compassionate, Bodhicitta, the enlightenment. At a moment its true desire is fulfilled, there is an authentic joy, egoless bliss.
Let's welcome this month's Sojong as an opportunity to hold the intention to make a positive contribution to the human world, and be a force for change. What I just wrote now might be what heart is longing for.
With palms joined, Anam Thubten