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We don't talk politics in our Sangha, but we do speak of some values found in the Buddhist Precepts and our Bodhisattva Vows ... values such as peace, tolerance, generosity, moderation, cooperation and truthfulness, to name a few. In addition, although the Buddha and the Ancient Masters did not have to be so concerned with some things in their times, I might add concern in modern times for the planet's ecology (as it effects life and health), protection of the poor, hungry and vulnerable, those denied a safe place to live, those threatened by violence including children and civilians in the midst of war, those oppressed because of who they are and how they were born, those denied education and access to medicine, and the like. The Buddha and old Masters did not speak much of such things (they could not have changed their ancient societies much even if they wanted to), but we can today. These values are in keeping with our care for human life and Vow to aid the sentient beings. We can know "all is empty," yet we seek to make well of this life too. We Buddhists continue to turn from greed and excess, anger and violence, division, selfishness and other ignorance.
History seems to run in cycles. This is a Buddhist teaching too. It is like the seasons, with Winter followed by Spring, then Summer followed by Fall. I do not mean this as any political comment, but I do believe that society has come very far from the times of the Buddha and Old Masters, and we are actually doing well compared to any century of the past. Even compared to 50 or 100 years ago, let alone 500 years ago or 1000 years, our values and perspectives on human dignity and ideals for how society should be have slowly (even if sometimes too slowly) progressed. Yes, it sometimes seems like two steps forward, then one big step back. Yes, we have big problems today unlike old times (nuclear peril and climate change, among other things.) However, we can step again forward. Do not lose the long view. We must keep working so that the world, 50 or 100 and more years from now, is better still. Keep working, do not lose hope, looking for the days to come, because so much remains to do and can be done.
Soto Zen is sometimes called "farmer's Zen," and there are many reasons for the name. However, I like to think that one reason is that, like a farmer, we must prepare in Winter to plant in Spring, all to harvest in Summer and Fall. Folks think that Zen is only about "being in the moment," but that has never been the only view we hold. We live and work in this moment, yes, taking things as they are, accepting conditions, yet with an eye toward tomorrow too. Our Master Dogen said that "Spring is only Spring," and likewise "Winter is only Winter," and when in Winter there is nothing else, so we accept the cold and frozen ground. Nonetheless, Dogen also prepared for the coming seasons, and likewise, we must prepare the ground, seeds and equipment today for what comes next. If you do not prepare in Winter to plant in Spring, there will be no harvest in Summer and Fall. You must tend to the work that needs to be done to get through the Winter until the warmth returns again. It may seem cold right now, but your work is crucial for the harvest to come.
You can be such a farmer today. Be assured that the Spring will come.
What are the seeds we plant? These are seeds of peace, tolerance, generosity, moderation, cooperation and truthfulness. Buddhism speaks of planting such seeds within our own heart, but we also plant such seeds in the world around us. This is our Bodhisattva Vow. Again, I am not speaking politics, but simply about values that all partisans and politicians often forget.
Another analogy is the candle on our Altar. Candles are most important on the dark days. When things seem darkest, when others lose hope, we can each be a candle, vital and burning most brightly during the dark times. When the world is especially clouded with greed, anger and ignorance, it is the role of each Buddhist (YOU!) to be a flame keeping bright the light of peace, tolerance, generosity, moderation, cooperation, truthfulness and the rest. Your role is most crucial in the dark. We don't lose our way, don't go cold, don't burn out, but just keep on steadily burning bright. A little light now can set a great light burning.
You must be such a candle today, keeping the flame alight until the daybreak comes.
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If you would like to hear more on this, I gave a little talk during our Zazenkai expanding on these themes a bit. Please listen as you get working.
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for positive poetry 優婆塞 台 婆
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