Words From The Teacher - May 2024

Dear sangha friends,

I want to say something about the war in Gaza, and beyond, the war that is all wars, the dead children that are all children killed in wars--and at the same time this war, and this child, and this one. Like so many others, I am heart-broken at the news every day. 

How can I talk about this war? I have more questions than answers. How is it that this war has the power to tear apart not only Israelis and Palestinians, but, political parties, worthy non-profit organizations, university administrations and students, families? People saying if you do not agree with me 100% you are against me, you are my enemy. Or can that be said of any war? How is this war and the protests against it similar, and how different from the Vietnam war that was so pivotal in my young life, and led to my immigration to Canada? How much responsibility do social media bear for the extreme polarization of views on so many issues, and the deterioration of public discourse? How can we all fully avow our ancient human twisted karma, look deeply into the roots of our shared delusions and together align with an ethic of mutual care and respect?

I've turned in a number of directions, including the Dhammapada, the earliest compendium of the Buddha's teachings, which says: "Hatred never ceases by hatred, but only by love. This is the ancient truth." It also says: " There is an old saying, 'People will blame you if you say too much; they will blame you if you say too little; they will blame you if you say just enough.' No one in this world escapes blame."

There are times when we must just do our best to speak our heart/mind, and risk blame. Rather than saying more myself, I want to invite you to listen to two men of tremendous courage and heart, a Palestinian, Aziz Abu Sarah, and an Israeli, Maoz Inon, both of whom have lost family members in the conflict, and both of whom are whole-heartedly working for peace. Their conversation opened TED2024 in Vancouver April 15. Click here for link (with a deep bow of thanks to Hotei Denis for sending it to me).

On this May 1, International Workers' Day, please join me in honouring all those who labour, in so many different ways, with so many different tools, to make this earth a safe and nourishing home for all beings. 
 

Warm bows,
Myoshin Kate