Election aftermath practice

 I once asked my teacher how we can maintain practice when disputes and disagreements inevitably arise. He said that a newborn baby has no sense of self apart from others, and to keep 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑻 𝑴𝑰𝑵𝑫 in the midst of a dispute or disagreement is critical. I added, we are all on our deathbeds metaphorically speaking; it is good to treat people that way; he replied "Of course."

So in trying to communicate regarding this dispute... well 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅!!! And I understand that my own mind 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 "me" to be separate from those with whom I strongly disagree, but thankfully, with practice, I can endeavor to be with that 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 without being led around by it.

That 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 mean that we should deny help and comfort to those that are victims or threatened by violence. The Zen teachers giving guidance to those who are truly threatened by the recent election are acting out of adherence to the first precept. Adhering to the first precept, even if it means defending one's self and others to prevent greater violence is adhering to the first precept, if one can keep that "mind of a baby." Ignoring the cries of the world though, is not what Kannon does.

So while I wish for all beings to awaken, I understand that this must take place in what is a dangerous world, with many who are not awakened or are not awakened sufficiently. That applies to Trump, Putin, Xi, Modi, etc. but again, the first precept sometimes demands defense.  But that defense must be done knowing full well that those who are potential opponents are not separate from us. 

I applaud the many Buddhist teachers who have offered guidance at this time (e.g. here).  I remember when Covid struck  Harada-roshi's guidance, was like anything else, to deepen our practice, and to put fears, distractions, stress, etc. into the dantian (丹田).  My practice did not stagnate during Covid, although there were work situations that intervened at the end that wound up taking so much of my time that I did not sit enough.

Things are better now.   Harada-roshi's guidance for Covid also applies to the current political situation.

But it takes continual practice.