Dear Chuck,
we usually pick friends "mind to mind" just hung out with who ever u feel good with and don't over question it.
we usually pick friends "mind to mind" just hung out with who ever u feel good with and don't over question it.
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More so than ever! FB can be a great teacher, it can be a beast. Over the years I've learnt to make it work for me but it's been a long journey.
I still get really shocked at the vitriol, the hate fuelled responses and while I generally don't get involved, I do try to reflect on what those people might be going through in their lives outside the computer. Are they alone, do they have no-one to talk to or more importantly listen to them? Are they frustrated, do they feel powerless, are they afraid? I come back to this time and again because I do believe that every one of us has Buddha nature, even if it's heavily obscured, and to remember that is to remind myself to be kind and compassionate. But it hits me hard when I read some of the Buddhist groups on FB. I know some of you are in the Soto Zen group (and thank you Jundo for your always measured responses) and it upsets me to think that these days FB might be the first place people look for information and advice. How sad then that an awakening interest should be met with some of the comments I've seen.
Something I learned from doing an NVC course (non violent communication) is that reaction is no basis for response. Giving myself time to understand my reaction not only helps to understand the reactions of others but helps me to respond with more equanimity.
And if all else fails, just walk away!
Gassho
Frankie
satwithyoualltoday命 Mei - life
島 Tou - islandComment
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This is a great topic to explore. I've loved reading all of your thoughts and responses.
My personal take on this is that it can be as toxic to avoid taking a stance on politics as it is to dig one's heels in on a certain view. Politics matters and affects people's lives, it's up to each of us to decide whether to engage in it or not however I feel that as Buddhists we have a lot to contribute to the manner in which politics is done.
I'm a very active member of the Labour party in England and have found it largely male dominated and with an aggressive manner of holding meetings and discussions. Since taking a leading role I have been working to change this and sometimes that means directly challenging people when they are not using skillful means. It's possible to disagree strongly and do it in a way that doesn't compromise your ethics.
There are some wonderful Buddhist teachers from minority ethnic and LGBT backgrounds that have some useful words to say about out responsibility to NOT be non-dualistic when it comes to challenging things that are wrong. If I can dig out the articles (if it's not been recycled yet!) I will post it here for you guys.
Gassho,
DeeComment
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Dee that sounds very interesting.sat today!Comment
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Hello everyone,
Am I the only person reminded of Joshu's cat?
Anything one can say is a lie, is limited, is incorrect. But, we have to say something.
Hands in gassho,
Saijun
ST/LAHTo give up yourself without regret is the greatest charity. --RBBComment
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You are right. FB can be a teacher and a beast.
For the past 2 years, starting from a presidential change in my country, I've felt the need to somehow defend my beliefs. Politics have created a strong separation in my country with even families and friends not talking to each other or breaking links.
I've taken active part on many arguments and also lost friends.
But started to see, perhaps late, that I'm suffering and causing a lot of suffering out of the need to fuel my ego by "being right".
I've made vitriolic statements against acquaintances, relatives or friends, ignoring that people are being manipulated by the media and politicians and most probably me too.
The positive side to this is that I've reached a point where I understood that I need to step back and put some distance between me and the news, to stronly commit to revive practice. I know I've fallen many times, but never before felt right in the heart the need to stop arguing.
I hope I will be able to keep my commitment by replacing the time I spent on facebook with reading books or sitting more steadily.
Gassho,
Daiyo
Sat Today.Gassho,Walter
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Seeing how delusional and easily led so many of my friends and family are has only brought light to how hopelessly delusional and easily led I am. Thanks Facebook.
Gassho
Sat TodayComment
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