Zen: At the Still Center of History's Changes

[Jundo]

There was an election. Some folks will be happy, others may be broken hearted or worried.

Zen folks have witnessed many changes and swings through the centuries, the hard times and better times. We flow with the river's flowing.

We know that today is not the end, but just the beginning.

We know the unchanging wisdom which sees through it all too ...
,

Gassho, Jundo
stlah

[Guest]

Thank you, Jundo. This is helpful. I am dealing with a great deal of fear right now. I was trying to put things in a greater perspective and this talk helps.

Gassho,
Paco
sat/lah

[Bion]

Thank you for this, Jundo! This comes in handy, so I can send it as encouragement to folks who are terribly distressed now! Very timely and well delivered! I am grateful for your care and compassion!

Gassho
sat lah

[Shinshi]

Thank you Jundo.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Ryumon]

I can't help but think of the many people who will suffer because of this election. The people of Ukraine, Gaza, anyone affected by climate disasters, women who need or want abortions, people of color who risk being rounded up and deported from the US, and so many others. Yes, this is just a blip of history, but it's our present, and I believe we are entering a dark era.

Gassho,
Ryūmon (Kirk)
Sat Lah

[Onkai]

Thank you, Jundo. I will focus on the unchanging wisdom and try to be helpful in any way I can.

Gassho Onkai
Sat lah

[Green Ben]

I commented on another thread, before the results were in, how grateful I am to have found this community.
That sentiment is exponentiated today. Thank you for this refuge, where I can find the peace and stillness needed, to face the world as it is.

Gassho

stlah

[StephenB]

Thank you Jundo. I needed this message today.

Gassho

stlah

[Koriki]

Thank you for this perspective Jundo. It is going to be easy to get angry, but maybe we can see whatever happiness we can create and compassion we can show as acts of defiance. For me, this will provide an opportunity to deepen my Buddhist practice and study.

Gassho,
Koriki
s@lah

[Guest]

Thank you for this perspective Jundo. It is going to be easy to get angry, but maybe we can see whatever happiness we can create and compassion we can show as acts of defiance. For me, this will provide an opportunity to deepen my Buddhist practice and study.

Gassho,
Koriki
s@lah

I really like this idea Koriki. The last time around with this election result, all I was able to muster was anger and vitriol.

I vow to show more kindness, compassion, and gentleness and to be of service to all beings as my act of defiance.

Gassho,
Paco
sat/lah

[Anthony]

Thank you so much for your message, Jundo. I seriously needed to hear it today. Your words have brought me a bit of ease.

Gassho,
Anthony
satlah

[Green Ben]

It is going to be easy to get angry, but maybe we can see whatever happiness we can create and compassion we can show as acts of defiance.

I feel ya on this, but I gotta step away from those feels, and take a higher perspective.
Why cloak compassion in defiance? Compassion is a worthy enough target, it shouldn't need a back story.

Gassho

stlah

[MarkusF]

In Germany there is a phrase:
At the end all will be good. If its not good at all its not the end.

Gassho, Markus

[Koriki]

I feel ya on this, but I gotta step away from those feels, and take a higher perspective.
Why cloak compassion in defiance? Compassion is a worthy enough target, it shouldn't need a back story.

Yes, I totally agree that compassion in Buddhism should come naturally and without thought of any gain or outcome. Good point. I suppose I was speaking more from a psychological point of view on coping. Our president elect seems to enjoy creating upset in other people, mostly the people that don't agree with him. He's a classic bully. One way you can deal with a bully is to not let their attempts to make you upset work. Since we're compassionate folk who try to find more contentment in the life we have I think it can be helpful to view those practices as successfully countering being bullied, but not doing them in order to "stick it to the man." More like the Hoos singing joyfully even though the Grinch stole their Christmas presents, food, and decorations.

Gassho,
Koriki
s@lah

[Green Ben]

Yes, I totally agree that compassion in Buddhism should come naturally and without thought of any gain or outcome. Good point. I suppose I was speaking more from a psychological point of view on coping. Our president elect seems to enjoy creating upset in other people, mostly the people that don't agree with him. He's a classic bully. One way you can deal with a bully is to not let their attempts to make you upset work. Since we're compassionate folk who try to find more contentment in the life we have I think it can be helpful to view those practices as successfully countering being bullied, but not doing them in order to "stick it to the man." More like the Hoos singing joyfully even though the Grinch stole their Christmas presents, food, and decorations.

That is clearer, thanks.
i should also state that my words were a reminder to my cranky old punk self, as much as anybody else.

Gassho

stlah