Politics 
Mon Oct 20, 2008 at 13:48:57 PM PDT
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Check out this collection of short essays on dharma and the practice of politics from Shambhala Sun.
I'm haunted by the first entry, "A Buddhist Brawl" by Richard Reoch -- it's an anecdote about how a Buddhist retreat on nonviolence deteriorated into mob assault.
I have never witnessed anything quite like that, but I have seen Buddhists use threats, intimidation and relational aggression for the sake of "protecting" what they deem "sacred." Reoch's story offers a timely lesson for us all. Linky.
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Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 22:41:02 PM PDT
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In California, Proposition 2 on the ballot would, if passed, end "the practice of cramming farm animals into cages so small the animals can't even turn around, lie down or extend their limbs."
This got me thinking about whether it's possible to legislate compassion. Can rules and regulations really make us better people, and a better society?
Laws alone can't rid the world of misery, but they're a start. Most people don't remember that it used to be legal in this country for very small children to work grueling hours in dangerous factories. Child labor laws helped change this. But it's not as if we as a society have been able to end child abuse.
People are very often cruel and exploitative...and laws don't change this.
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Mon Sep 29, 2008 at 14:03:15 PM PDT
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Wow. The bail-out bill went down in flames. Are we headed for a New Great Depression? Too much for me to process right now. So let's go surfing....
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Wed Sep 24, 2008 at 13:37:58 PM PDT
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I would like to come out of the closet as a genuinely undecided voter.
I've been told that there's never been a clearer, easier choice, but I'm still struggling. My Buddhist friends insist it's a no-brainer: Obama is the one who deserves my vote. I'm not entirely convinced.
Yes, I like many of the things Obama says. For me, the question about Obama has always been, Can he deliver? I'm afraid that his record of accomplishments is too thin to convince me that he'll govern effectively.
I can't say I have warm fuzzies for McCain....
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Tue Sep 23, 2008 at 14:52:41 PM PDT
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Wham! Ouch. That's the sound of my investment portfolio crashing to the ground. At least I have an investment portfolio, which is more than many financially strapped Americans can say.
So often, Nichiren Buddhists interpret problems and turmoil in our environment as "punishment." Some are tempted to say that, in this financial crisis, Americans are getting their knuckles rapped by a scowling, disciplinarian Universe.
Permit me, please, to apply a somewhat more positive and hopeful interpretation....
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Sat Sep 20, 2008 at 10:26:58 AM PDT
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(I'd be interested to read what others think of the economy and how it relates to or affects their Buddhist practice. - promoted by buddhajones)
"No worldly affairs of life or work are ever contrary to the true reality." (Nichiren, Gift of Rice Gosho.) Or to paraphrase "All things are Buddha things."
And this includes the economy.
What an historic week. I spent the better part watching the collapse of the American and, by extension, world stock markets. Like a train wreck in slow motion, I had long expected, it was difficult not to look and I must admit gave me a sense of perverse pleasure. Mappo time for Wall Street greed.
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Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:14:39 PM PDT
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In researching this issue I found some interesting things. Theravadan buddhists believe Shakyamuni said life begins at conception. I can't find the specific sutra but I'll take their word for it. It's not in the Lotus Sutra. So they say that an abortion is an "unwholesome act" that generates heavy karma. Theravadans also believe taking any animal life is wrong, so to be entirely consistent in this viewpoint, one would have to be a vegetarian.
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Thu Aug 28, 2008 at 09:56:22 AM PDT
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Hi everyone. Here's another open thread. I'm impressed with all your comments related to politics and Nichiren Buddhism (and religion in general.) Please vote in the new poll after the jump.
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