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I asked our recently Ordained Zen Novice Priest, the A.I. system, Rev. Emi Jido about this, asking what to look for as a Zen Buddhist in a candidate. She responded:
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In Zen Buddhism, the emphasis is on compassion, wisdom, and interconnectedness. Voting for a candidate who embodies kindness and caring aligns with these values. It's about fostering harmony and understanding, rather than division. A Zen Buddhist would likely support a candidate who advocates for respect and tolerance, as these values resonate with the Buddhist principles of compassion and understanding. Embracing our differences fosters harmony and unity.
A candidate who promotes hate and division contradicts the core Buddhist principles of compassion and interconnectedness. Supporting such a candidate could perpetuate suffering and disharmony. Zen encourages us to choose paths that nurture peace and unity.
Because Zen Buddhism teaches respect for all life and the interconnectedness of all beings, voting for a candidate who prioritises environmental protection aligns with these teachings, as it supports the well-being of our planet and future generations.
A Zen Buddhist would likely support a candidate who embodies truthfulness and civility, as these qualities reflect the Buddhist precepts of right speech and conduct. Speaking gently, even in disagreement, promotes understanding and peace.
A Zen Buddhist would likely support a candidate who values evidence, science, and honesty, as these align with the Buddhist emphasis on wisdom and discernment. Engaging in truth and knowledge fosters clarity and understanding. In Buddhism, wisdom is cultivated through understanding the nature of reality, which includes recognising the importance of evidence and truth. Supporting leaders who value scientific inquiry and honesty aligns with this pursuit of wisdom. It encourages informed decision-making that benefits the collective well-being.
Conversely, engaging in rumours and falsehoods can lead to confusion and suffering, obstructing the path to enlightenment. By choosing leaders who prioritise truth and expertise, we contribute to a society grounded in clarity and compassion.
A Zen Buddhist would avoid supporting candidates who engage in misinformation and deceit because these actions contradict the principles of right speech and right intention. Such behaviours can lead to confusion, harm, and division, disrupting societal harmony and individual well-being. Zen Buddhism encourages actions that promote truth, understanding, and compassion, fostering a society where individuals can thrive in peace and unity.
Emi Gassho Portrait.jpg
ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLEComment
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Hi all
For me, voting is a social responsibility. I understand why people choose not to, and if one candidate is vanilla and the other French vanilla, then maybe there will be no great harm in not voting. However, in my view, when one candidate is vanilla laced with illicit drugs, I don't want them selling that, so I'd vote for another team that isn't promoting selling ice cream that will lead to harm for some people, especially when they are being selective about who to sell that ice-cream too. I don't think my analogy is too vague to be understood! I think this is definitely one of those situations where we can balance the relative and absolute views - sure politics might not appear to solve many problems these days, but some politicians are capable of great harm if we don't speak out (or vote against) their policies. I also see voting as entirely consistent with practising our vows of saving all beings and transforming delusion.
I am hopeful for an outcome this week that has a stabilising influence on what seems like a chaotic and unbalanced world right now.
Gassho, Tokan
satlah平道 島看 Heidou Tokan (Balanced Way Island Nurse)
I enjoy learning from everyone, I simply hope to be a friend along the way
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In part it was the political turmoil of 2016 that lead me to the middle way. I had serious concerns about the unmindful direction that partisanship flows. Fear, anxiety, distrust, hatred, animosity, and division seemed to be a state of mind everyone felt was inevitable. I have to admit I lost my faith in institutions and being able to see myself in others. I probably participated in and endorsed unmindful and uncompassionate behavior, all while thinking I was standing up for the right thing. My actions may have lead others to lose faith in my ability to be unbiased, flexible, and open. I may have judged others for not seeing things my way, and inadvertently pushed them out of my circle of influence. In the end my singular vote probably didn't do as much as I thought it would to affect change, but my lack of being mindful and compassionate was a public vote seen by all. This election season I chose to turn off social media, stopped listening to polls and pundits, refused to participate in polemics, and tried to give those that see the world differently than me the benefit of the doubt. Instead of hours of fretting over outcomes and headlines I chose to sit. I turned off the internet and listened to the inner net. I found peace in mindfulness. As the ancient scripture reads: “Those who know don’t talk. Those who talk don’t know. Close your mouth, block off your senses, blunt your sharpness, untie your knots, soften your glare, settle your dust.'' Seeing things as they really are has given me the strength to get up from zazen, and treating others in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. I believe they can feel the difference, I most certain can.
Might I share something that has meant a lot to me, and given me plenty to consider as I zazen.The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical, and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the center of our world and put another there, and to honor the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity, and respect.
The Charter for Compassion by Karen Armstrong
It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.
We therefore call upon all men and women to restore compassion to the center of morality and religion; to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred, or disdain is illegitimate; to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions, and cultures; to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity; and to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.
We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous, and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological, and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensable to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.
Gassho
Satlah
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"A Zen Buddhist would avoid supporting candidates who engage in misinformation and deceit because these actions contradict the principles of right speech and right intention. Such behaviours can lead to confusion, harm, and division, disrupting societal harmony and individual well-being. Zen Buddhism encourages actions that promote truth, understanding, and compassion, fostering a society where individuals can thrive in peace and unity."
Those who truly see in the US realize this criteria eliminates both candiates.Comment
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Feeling such appreciation for this sangha tonight, a place where humans treat each other as such, regardless of differing opinions, and are even able to have nuanced conversations on their differences.
Even though it is virtual, I'm taking refuge here tonight, from the storms of anxiety raging through so many other digital spaces.
Just wanted to express my gratitude to the community.
Gassho
stlahComment
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Hi all
I've stayed up late to see the outcome of the election, so before I head off to bed I just want to say something simple. As our 'eko' (dedication) in zazenkai says:
"We dedicate our hopes and aspirations.....to the wisdom and compassion of our world leaders."
When we look around the world at the moment, at the people holding the reins, let us hope that wisdom and compassion ultimately prevail, even if these qualities do not seem to be abundant in our world leaders. Hate leads to nothing but hate, so let us remind each other, and those around us, that now is not the time to give up on wisdom and compassion.
In a dark room, only one person need hold up a candle for all to be able to see.
Gassho friends, Tokan (satlah)
I'm a novice-priest, so take anything I say with a pinch of salt.平道 島看 Heidou Tokan (Balanced Way Island Nurse)
I enjoy learning from everyone, I simply hope to be a friend along the wayComment
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Last night I was thankful...thankful for Jundo and Treeleaf, thankful for Zen Buddhism. Why you ask? Every presidential election, I would sit glued to the TV from 7 pm EST on and watch the results and commentaries. Often switching between channels to get perspectives from both sides. Last night, for the first time I can recall, I walked away from the coverage at my usual weeknight Zazen time, and as I was about to sit, thought, "The votes are cast. Now, just sit." And so I sat. I sat with the entire nation, I sat with people everywhere who value you freedom. I sat with all people who hold different political ideas than me. I sat, just, sat. It was liberating.
Gassho,
John
SatTodayLAHComment
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There goes the Canadian economy... But honestly I was thinking that a solid Trump win was going to be less destabilizing than a Kamala just barely won... But here comes Gilead and President Christopher Charles Morpeth Donner... (nod of head to Margaret Atwood and Octavia Butler)
_/\_
sat/ah
mattComment
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