In our Sangha, we believe in upholding the Precepts and our Bodhisattva Vows to save suffering sentient beings, but we avoid debate and discussions of overt "politics." It is often a fine line to tread. Our Sangha is a haven from the turmoil of the outside world focused on Zen Practice yet, at the same time, that must include focus on compassionate behavior concerned with the well-being of others. Sometimes Precepts and politics naturally overlap.
However, it does not matter what party you belong to, or what politician you like, It is not a matter of left, right or center. Whatever the case, there are still certain stands and moral positions that, I believe, all good Buddhist Bodhisattvas should take in this modern world. Though few things are ever crystal clear, some directions are clear enough.
- War and all violence are to be avoided, The rare exception should be, with deep sadness, in true necessity, against malicious wrongdoers to preserve innocent human life. Even then, the killing of civilians, and especially children, should be avoided to the extent humanly possibly.
- In this age of wealth, all people deserve a safe home and homeland to call their own, unmolested by their neighbors.
- All people and peoples should be friendly to their neighbors, tolerant, and concerned for their welfare. Ideally, we should be concerned for the welfare of strangers as well, working so that all have at least the basics of life.
- We live in an age of wealth in which, were we to share and allocate resources more wisely, all might have the basics of a good and healthy life. All people deserve a safe home in which to live, secure from the elements, in a neighborhood that is safe and free of violence. All deserve sufficient, healthy food and clean water to drink, clean air to breathe and other necessities including clothing and basic comforts. Homes, hospitals, schools and community environments must be decent. All deserve equal opportunity whatever their birth or the situation of their parents. All should have good, affordable or cost free access to education, a safe work place, medicine and medical care. All people deserve to live in a green and clean environment, away from harmful pollutants and the like.
- All people deserve companionship, friendship, opportunity and to be respected. No person should be punished for professing non-violent views, religious creeds or other beliefs. People should not be judged by the color of their skin, their place of birth, sexual or other identity, family name or religion.
- The rich should share generously with others, the poor should receive a humane share. Nations, industry and individuals should be charitable, giving amply to feed, house, clothe, nurse and educate the poorest in this world.
- Strangers in need, including refugees, should be provided safe and humane havens, even if countries will not open their borders completely. Those who have resided for years. working hard and honestly, raising families, breaking no major laws, living as good and productive members of our communities, should be left unmolested and forgiven even if their immigration status is in question, even as nations may need to close their borders to many newcomers. At the same time, let us work for peace, wealth and opportunity in all nations of this world so that no person need be a refugee in the future.
That is far from a complete list of what this world needs, nor is much of it realizable right now. We might quibble on details or the best paths toward realization. Some may always be ideals, not fully attainable in this complex world of samsara. Even so, just some of these things would do much to make this world better for millions or billions.
It is my feeling that such actions are in keeping with, and called for by, our Buddhist Precepts and Vows to save all sentient beings. Some will say that those Precepts and Vows merely call on us to escape this world, seek our own liberation, focus on spiritual things while ignoring material needs, but I don't think so. We can and must make sure that all are safe and secure in this daily life even as we free them from any lives to come.
It is not "politics," just decency, caring, compassion.
Here, in this Sangha, we sit Zazen with nothing to attain, free of any other task that needs doing, any right or wrong, any problem to repair. However, when the bell rings, get up and get moving ... because this life has wrongs that need righting, and problems in urgent need of repair.
We are inspired by Dhammapada Verse 223:
.
.
Gassho, Jundo
stlah
Comment