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As I learn of the shootings in Texas, and the murders in Buffalo last week, and in every week of this year, I am yet again dumbstruck! I feel an ocean of tears and compassion for so many who have been killed, harmed, and those left behind who have lost children and loved ones. This carnage reflects a national glorification of violence, an immoral deluded cowardly politics, a lack of our society’s care for mental health, a lack of resources for the troubled among us, and a lack of support for the vulnerable. And underneath this, much of our culture is driven by fear of “the other,” by despair and disconnection and rage. We have to acknowledge this, tend the suffering, and change our collective consciousness.
The more we foster hate, ignorance, fear, and greed, the more will we all suffer.
The more we cultivate love, trust, wisdom, and generosity, the more we will love in harmony and well-being. This is our task now. How we speak, what we support, how we vote all matter!
Sitting quietly, these tragedies strengthen my resolve to not let terror and fear take over my heart.
As we move through this beautiful and troubled world, may we vow to be a beacon of peace, a fearless carrier of respect and lovingkindness for all life, a teller of truth, a voice for justice, a protector of those who are vulnerable or targeted. May the power of wisdom, integrity and compassion be our guide.
And may I/we follow these instructions of the Buddha…….
“Others will kill. We shall not kill. Thus we should direct our hearts.
Others will be cruel. We shall not be cruel. Thus should we direct our hearts.
Others will speak falsely. We will speak what is true. Thus we should direct our hearts.
Others will be fraudulent. We shall not be fraudulent. Thus we should direct our hearts.
Others will be hateful. We shall become loving. Thus we shall direct our hearts.
Others will be unwise. We shall become wise. Thus we shall direct our hearts.”
May I/we carry these intentions with courage, as a beacon and a medicine, as a blessing to all we touch.
Metta,
Jack
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From Jack Kornfield
