SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: No Place To Run To, Baby ...

[Kyonin]

Hi Jundo,

I was sitting today and the memories of those days returned for a bit. Yes, humor and keeping positive is always a great way to deal with what one can't control.

Thank you for your teachings.

Gassho,

Kyonin
#SatToday

[Jika]

Hi all,

I'll represent German angst now.

I'm fine with the talk per se, but I can't figure out what engaged Buddhism and the precepts might ask us to do.

The Buddha was not able to stop war, but I guess he did not recommend to start one or keep it going.
We all know we have to kill to be alive (veggies, insects with herbicides...), but should we not do all we can to minimize suffering and death, if we have any choice?

Tchernobyl has increased thyroid cancer and leukemia in children, it's great for researchers because they have seen numbers rise and found out a lot about the genetics of some types of cancer.
Unfortunately, no cure yet.

One of our neighbouring countries is having problems with one of their nuclear reactors close to the border, and our county government is handing out iodine pills to people in some areas.
They can't tell the neighbours what to do, they can only try to protect the population in possible danger.
They say they are asking the other government to shut down the reactor, to see the minor events of past weeks as a warning sign that the reactor is too old, not safe.

Does not Buddhism ask of us to promote good and refrain from doing harm?
Once a reactor core is melting, the comparison with earthquakes is correct for me: out of our hands.
But would we not want to prevent earthquakes if we could?

I have no solution.
Japan is in a very specific and difficult situation - I've heard how hard it is to build houses that are both energy efficient ("passive") and earthquake-safe.
All I'm wondering is, if being passive and accepting in our own countries is not the same as doing harm to future generations, or even to the kids of today.

Gassho
Jika
#sattoday