There are protests and demonstrations taking place all over the United states, and indeed around the world on Saturday. Not all of them have anything to do with American politics, but a good number of them do, and generally speaking, they aren't being staged in tremendous vocal support of the current US administration's policies.
It's not important to get into the specifics or the numerous issues. Let's talk about the demonstrations.
As Buddhists, and as people who take the Bodhisattva vows seriously, we may wish to be present and be part of these demonstrations, because some of the issues involved are near and dear to our hearts. But how do we approach that, having taken a vow to act on behalf of ALL sentient beings.
(Let's pause here and take a collective deep breath, and resist the temptation to question the sentience of those whose views we oppose...)
I've given this a lot of thought. My own health precludes a lot of direct involvement, but I have worked quite a bit behind the scenes with regard to organizing and coordinating different protest activities. And I have, I think, thought of some ways we can be involved, without engaging in dualistic thought or behavior, or supporting one side of an issue at the expense or to the detriment of those supporting the other side.
Be there to observe. Bear witness, as some put it.
Pay close attention, if you go to the demonstrations, to the people on both sides.
You don't necessarily have to agree with someone's views, but pay attention to the message. Just observe. Witness it. One of the things you may notice is that whichever side of the line they happen to be standing on, they are equally passionate, equally emotionally engaged, and equally convinced of the right of their side. The ideas in question may divide us. Our commitment to them is something we have in common. That's very important to keep in mind. I can tell you from experience that nobody has ever screamed, shouted, or insulted someone into changing their opinion or view.
To be more directly involved then merely observing the goings on, think about things you can do for the people who are there.
Bring bottled water. Bring snacks in sealed packages. Bring some dog treats.
A bit more hands-on... You could go with the first aid kit. Even if you're not particularly trained or qualified, bringing a home first aid kit could prove extremely useful. Band-aids, bandages, and ice pack... These could all prove not only important, but invaluable. They're also an opportunity to exercise compassion.
And that's really the point. Whatever you do, whether you're just going to Bear witness or you go in there with a first aid kit and experience that you can share, here's the thing:
Peaceful. Compassionate. Gentle.
Be there for everyone.
Everyone.
Not just the side you agree with.
Not just the people whose chance you might want to join in. Everyone.
See someone from the other side and trouble?
Help.
See a person who was abusing others who's now being abused?
Help.
See someone who you feel was acting to harm or oppress who is now in need?
Help.
We can have strong beliefs. We can have great compassion, and it is much easier to have compassion for the people that we feel we are supporting or in agreement with. But, Bodhisattvas don't just act for the people they like. It's ALL sentient beings.
It's possible. It's doable. And frankly, it's what's expected.
Whatever happens, if you do decide to be out there in any capacity during the demonstrations and protests tomorrow, please be safe. Be safe for yourself, be safe for the people around you, be safe for everyone, regardless of which side of the argument they happen to be on. And spare a moment for compassion. There is no "me" and no "them." There's only a WE.
Us.
All of our teachings are very clear on that point.
In the words of a great, old TV show "let's be careful out there."
-ANKAI
SatLAH
It's not important to get into the specifics or the numerous issues. Let's talk about the demonstrations.
As Buddhists, and as people who take the Bodhisattva vows seriously, we may wish to be present and be part of these demonstrations, because some of the issues involved are near and dear to our hearts. But how do we approach that, having taken a vow to act on behalf of ALL sentient beings.
(Let's pause here and take a collective deep breath, and resist the temptation to question the sentience of those whose views we oppose...)
I've given this a lot of thought. My own health precludes a lot of direct involvement, but I have worked quite a bit behind the scenes with regard to organizing and coordinating different protest activities. And I have, I think, thought of some ways we can be involved, without engaging in dualistic thought or behavior, or supporting one side of an issue at the expense or to the detriment of those supporting the other side.
Be there to observe. Bear witness, as some put it.
Pay close attention, if you go to the demonstrations, to the people on both sides.
You don't necessarily have to agree with someone's views, but pay attention to the message. Just observe. Witness it. One of the things you may notice is that whichever side of the line they happen to be standing on, they are equally passionate, equally emotionally engaged, and equally convinced of the right of their side. The ideas in question may divide us. Our commitment to them is something we have in common. That's very important to keep in mind. I can tell you from experience that nobody has ever screamed, shouted, or insulted someone into changing their opinion or view.
To be more directly involved then merely observing the goings on, think about things you can do for the people who are there.
Bring bottled water. Bring snacks in sealed packages. Bring some dog treats.
A bit more hands-on... You could go with the first aid kit. Even if you're not particularly trained or qualified, bringing a home first aid kit could prove extremely useful. Band-aids, bandages, and ice pack... These could all prove not only important, but invaluable. They're also an opportunity to exercise compassion.
And that's really the point. Whatever you do, whether you're just going to Bear witness or you go in there with a first aid kit and experience that you can share, here's the thing:
Peaceful. Compassionate. Gentle.
Be there for everyone.
Everyone.
Not just the side you agree with.
Not just the people whose chance you might want to join in. Everyone.
See someone from the other side and trouble?
Help.
See a person who was abusing others who's now being abused?
Help.
See someone who you feel was acting to harm or oppress who is now in need?
Help.
We can have strong beliefs. We can have great compassion, and it is much easier to have compassion for the people that we feel we are supporting or in agreement with. But, Bodhisattvas don't just act for the people they like. It's ALL sentient beings.
It's possible. It's doable. And frankly, it's what's expected.
Whatever happens, if you do decide to be out there in any capacity during the demonstrations and protests tomorrow, please be safe. Be safe for yourself, be safe for the people around you, be safe for everyone, regardless of which side of the argument they happen to be on. And spare a moment for compassion. There is no "me" and no "them." There's only a WE.
Us.
All of our teachings are very clear on that point.
In the words of a great, old TV show "let's be careful out there."
-ANKAI
SatLAH
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