Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Via JMG: WaPo Publishes Interactive Marriage Map
The Washington Post has published an interactive marriage equality map
which doesn't show all the lawsuits currently in progress, but it does
highlight the states where we seem to be closest to a win.
Reposted from Joe Jervis
Via JMG: Vatican Survey: Vast Majority Of Catholics Reject The Rules Of The Vatican
According to a new Vatican survey, the "vast majority" of Catholics in Germany and Switzerland reject the Vatican's rules about "contraception, sexual morality, gay unions and divorce."
The Vatican took the unusual step of commissioning the surveys ahead of a major meeting of bishops that Pope Francis has called for October to discuss family issues. The poll was sent last year to every national conference of bishops with a request to share it widely among Catholic institutions, parishes and individuals. This week, German and Swiss bishops reported the results: The church's core teachings on sexual morals, birth control, homosexuality, marriage and divorce were rejected as unrealistic and outdated by the vast majority of Catholics, who nevertheless said they were active in parish life and considered their faith vitally important. Also surprising was the eagerness with which the bishops publicized the results. The German bishops' conference released them simultaneously in German, Italian and English on their website, and the Swiss held a press conference.Of particular note, survey respondents found the Vatican's ban on contraception to be "blatantly immoral" when it comes to the use of condoms to stop HIV transmission. Several years ago, former Pope Benedict made statements regarding condoms and HIV that some interpreted as a softening of the church's stance. But at a 2011 HIV/AIDS conference held at the Vatican, officials reiterated their opposition to all condom use.
Labels: Catholic Church, religion, surveys, Vatican
Via Tricycle Daily Dharma
Tricycle Daily Dharma February 5, 2014
No Mean Preacher
Unpack
karma and you get cause and effect. Unpack cause and effect and you get
affinity. Unpack affinity and you get the tendency to coalesce. Unpack
the tendency to coalesce and you get intimacy. Unpack intimacy and you
will find that you contain all beings. Unpack containment and there is
the goddess of mercy herself.
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- Robert Aitken Roshi, “No Mean Preacher”
Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 6, 2014
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Bahá’í Faith’s Stance on Homosexuality
Unfortunately this article is disingenuous at best. The Bahai Faith is
homophobic, and prejudicial against gays and lesbians. GLBT Bahaís are
treated as second class citizens, and shunned... they have let many of
us know that we are not welcome in their communities... someone needs to
do their homework here.
Homosexuality is a very common topic in all faiths — the Bahá’í Faith is no different. Unlike many other religions, however homosexuality is not prevented nor advocated against because it would be “against the spirit of the Faith,” according to a 2010 letter from Kenneth E. Bowers, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. The Bahá’í Faith teaches that it is only acceptable to have sexual expression within marriage. Another teaching states that marriage is between a man and woman. The importance of absolute chastity and personal restraint in unmarried persons is stressed more so than the gender of a potential partner.
Homosexuality, according to Bahá’í Faith teachings, is a condition to control and subdue, but recently, singling out homosexuality over other transgressions is frowned upon. Gay and lesbians may have membership in the Bahá’í community, and although it is commonplace to advise and sympathize with them, membership is permitted. However, those who have “accepted the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh” are not permitted to enter into a same-sex marriage.
Bahá’í teachings say that homosexuals should not be condemned as outcasts, nor do Bahá’ís expect those of other faiths to follow Bahá’í laws. Bowers goes on to say, “In attempting to reconcile what may appear to be conflicting obligations, it is important to understand that the Bahá’í community does not seek to impose its values on others, nor does it pass judgment on others on the basis of its own moral standards.”
The writings state to treat all with respect and dignity without exception; discrimination and intolerance is not supported by any Bahá’í teachings. The adherence of laws for social conduct remains up to the individual, unless their actions are causing harm to the community. Spiritual Assemblies are instructed to be patient, as well as to persuade members to accept the laws out of conviction and desire, rather than blind faith. The Bahá’í Faith for the most part neither advocates nor discriminates against the gay community.
The only time an individual is sanctioned by the Spiritual Assembly for being damaging to the image of the Bahá’í Faith in regards to sexuality is if an individual is being sexually promiscuous. These sanctions remove the ability to contribute funds, vote or hold office within the community and bar an individual from the Nineteen Day Feast, a monthly spiritual gathering. This consequence is used only in cases of public scandal and in very flagrant cases. Often the individual is placed on probation, if disregard continues the assembly may remove the person’s administrative rights. This is similar to ex-communication of the Catholic faith; however other Bahá’í members are not directed to avoid fellowship and interaction with the de-administrated individual.
Homosexuality is a very common topic in all faiths — the Bahá’í Faith is no different. Unlike many other religions, however homosexuality is not prevented nor advocated against because it would be “against the spirit of the Faith,” according to a 2010 letter from Kenneth E. Bowers, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. The Bahá’í Faith teaches that it is only acceptable to have sexual expression within marriage. Another teaching states that marriage is between a man and woman. The importance of absolute chastity and personal restraint in unmarried persons is stressed more so than the gender of a potential partner.
Homosexuality, according to Bahá’í Faith teachings, is a condition to control and subdue, but recently, singling out homosexuality over other transgressions is frowned upon. Gay and lesbians may have membership in the Bahá’í community, and although it is commonplace to advise and sympathize with them, membership is permitted. However, those who have “accepted the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh” are not permitted to enter into a same-sex marriage.
Bahá’í teachings say that homosexuals should not be condemned as outcasts, nor do Bahá’ís expect those of other faiths to follow Bahá’í laws. Bowers goes on to say, “In attempting to reconcile what may appear to be conflicting obligations, it is important to understand that the Bahá’í community does not seek to impose its values on others, nor does it pass judgment on others on the basis of its own moral standards.”
The writings state to treat all with respect and dignity without exception; discrimination and intolerance is not supported by any Bahá’í teachings. The adherence of laws for social conduct remains up to the individual, unless their actions are causing harm to the community. Spiritual Assemblies are instructed to be patient, as well as to persuade members to accept the laws out of conviction and desire, rather than blind faith. The Bahá’í Faith for the most part neither advocates nor discriminates against the gay community.
The only time an individual is sanctioned by the Spiritual Assembly for being damaging to the image of the Bahá’í Faith in regards to sexuality is if an individual is being sexually promiscuous. These sanctions remove the ability to contribute funds, vote or hold office within the community and bar an individual from the Nineteen Day Feast, a monthly spiritual gathering. This consequence is used only in cases of public scandal and in very flagrant cases. Often the individual is placed on probation, if disregard continues the assembly may remove the person’s administrative rights. This is similar to ex-communication of the Catholic faith; however other Bahá’í members are not directed to avoid fellowship and interaction with the de-administrated individual.
Resources
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Via Tricycle Daily Dharma
Tricycle Daily Dharma February 4, 2014
Suffering as Proof
Our
suffering is proof not of who we are—violent because of “human
nature”—but of the fact that we are deluded, that we don’t know
ourselves, and that if we are to end suffering we must, as Nietzsche
says, become who we really are.
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- Curtis White, "The Science Delusion"
Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 5, 2014
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Monday, February 3, 2014
Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma February 3, 2014
The Bodhisattva's Edge
Whatever
you feel is right at the edge of your familiar world, that's the edge
of your bodhisattva vow, the edge of your deep intention to wake up with
what is.
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- Myogen Steve Stücky, "The Three Friends of Winter"
Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 3, 2014
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Sunday, February 2, 2014
Via JMG: State Department Issues Gay-Inclusive Clip To Promote Team USA At Sochi
Via press release:
In honor of Team USA’s participation in the 2014 Winter Olympics (February 7-23) and Paralympics (March 7-16) in Sochi, Russia, the U.S. Department of State has produced a one-minute video highlighting the diversity of the U.S. athletes competing in the Games as well as everyday Americans. The video focuses on the theme “We Are All Athletes,” to promote diversity, social inclusion, sportsmanship, and teamwork. “We Are All Athletes” showcases U.S. Olympians, Paralympians, and recreational athletes of various backgrounds, including gender, race and ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and abilities. Viewers are encouraged to join the U.S. Department of State in cheering on Team USA to bring home the gold by sharing the video and discussing it via the hashtags #Sochi2014 and #TeamUSA.
Reposted from Joe Jervis
Via JMG: Coalition Of Human Rights Groups: Sochi's Top Corporate Sponsors Must Speak Out
A coalition of 40 human rights groups have issued a joint letter
to the top ten corporate sponsors of the Sochi Olympics which demands
that they denounce Russia's abuses against LGBT people. Via press
release:
Corporate sponsors of the Sochi Winter Olympics should act now to urge Russia to halt the rising tide of discrimination, harassment and threats against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, 40 of the world’s leading human rights and LGBT groups said today, in an unusual joint open letter. The letter to all of the leading sponsors of the Sochi Olympics asks them to use their leverage as underwriters of the 2014 Winter Games in a variety of concrete ways.Among the groups in the coalition: Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Human Rights Campaign, Athlete Ally, GLAAD, Family Equality Council, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Including in the requests for action, the letter asks that Sochi's top corporate sponsors address LGBT rights in their Olympic advertising.
The groups urged sponsors to speak out against Russia’s anti-gay “propaganda” law, which violates the Olympic Charter’s principle of non-discrimination, and to ask the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to undertake systemic reforms to monitor and prevent human rights abuses in future host countries. “Time is running out for the sponsors to take a clear stand in defense of Olympic values,” said Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch. “These companies are sponsoring an Oympics marred by ugly discrimination and serious rights abuses. They should speak out forcefully for equality and human rights.”
The joint letter is addressed to the 10 TOP Sponsors of the Sochi Games (members of “The Olympic Partner” (TOP) Program)--Atos, Coca Cola, Dow Chemical, General Electric, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter & Gamble, Samsung, and Visa. The Human Rights Campaign, Human Rights Watch and several other groups have engaged with the sponsors for nearly a year to urge them to act on abuses.
Labels: advertising, Amnesty International, Athlete Ally, Coca-Cola, General Electric, GLAAD, HRC, Human Rights Watch, LGBT rights, McDonald's, NCLR, Russia, Samsung, Sochi Olympics, Visa
Via Tricycle Daily Dharma
Tricycle Daily Dharma February 2, 2014
Unconditional Freedom
The
Buddha taught that freedom is going beyond conditions. For me, the
people who have been through the harshest conditions—and survived—have
the greatest potential to transform the madness of their lives. See,
that madness made them who they are. So if they can take that madness,
claim it, and stand on top of its incredible energy, they can transform
it into power.
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- Vinny Ferraro, "The Heartful Dodger"
Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 3, 2014
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Saturday, February 1, 2014
Via Tricycle Daily Dharma
Tricycle Daily Dharma February 1, 2014
Reason for Faith
For
ordinary people, faith is the cause that opens the door to wisdom. For
many convert Buddhists in the West, the central place of faith in
Nichiren Buddhism, as well as in Pure Land, might seem strange and even
un-Buddhist. But this has little to do with how the religion has
traditionally been practiced and much to do with how Buddhism has been
interpreted for the modern West.
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- Jacqueline Stone, “The Final Word: An Interview with Jacqueline Stone”
Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 2, 2014
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Friday, January 31, 2014
Via Tricycle Daily Dharma
Tricycle Daily Dharma January 31, 2014
Right Understanding
According
to Buddha's teachings on the Four Noble Truths, all life is dukkha,
suffering or unsatisfactoriness; suffering is caused by desire; desire
can be dissolved; and the means to achieve this is the Noble Eightfold
Path. Furthermore it's essential to note that the first step on the Path
is right understanding. In order to attain liberation from suffering,
we need to understand the nature of that suffering. We need to have
knowledge of the world—including ourselves—as it really is.
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- Jeffery Zaleski, "The Science of Compassion"
Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 1, 2014
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