A personal blog by a graying (mostly Anglo with light African-American roots) gay left leaning liberal progressive married college-educated Buddhist Baha'i BBC/NPR-listening Professor Emeritus now following the Dharma in Minas Gerais, Brasil.
As
I have explored my own and others' journey towards love, I've
encountered different kinds of happiness. There's pleasure, there's
happiness, and then there's joy. Addiction, even in the broad sense of
just always wanting more of something, gives only pleasure. Pleasure is
very earthbound when you're getting it from sensual interaction, and it
always has its opposite; also, the need for satisfaction is never
ending. Happiness is emotional, and emotions come and go. It may play
into the complex of other emotional stuff that we all carry. But there
is also spiritual happiness, which gets very close to joy.
As it becomes less personal, spiritual happiness becomes joy. Joy is
being part of the One. It's spiritual, the joy-full universe, like trees
are joyful. It's bliss, or ananda. It's all those things. The difference is that it comes from the soul.
Nikki Haley, Mike Flynn, and Betsy DeVos.Photo: Getty Images
During his acceptance speech
at the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump did something
unusual: He acknowledged LGBT Americans. Referring to the mass shooting
at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Trump said, “This time, the
terrorist targeted the LGBTQ community … and we’re going to stop it.” He
then promised to “protect LGBTQ citizens from the violence and
oppression of a hateful foreign ideology.”
Coming
from a Republican politician, even an acknowledgment of the LGBT
community is pretty novel. But Trump’s promise was to protect LGBT
Americans from hateful ideology abroad — he didn’t mention the hatred
many regularly experience at home, sometimes due to policies proposed by
people with whom he surrounds himself. Because of all his cabinet and
cabinet-level picks so far, not one has a history of standing up for
LGBT rights.
Jeff Sessions, attorney general
It isn’t just the definition of sexual assault that Alabama senator Jeff Sessions has twisted. As the Huffington Post pointed out when Trump nominated him for the post of attorney general, you can pick almost any LGBT rights issue, and chances are Sessions has voted against it.
He supported a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage; voted against
adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the definition of hate
crimes; and voted against repealing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t
tell” policy.
He also co-sponsored a bill
that would allow Alabama’s definition of marriage to supersede the
federal definition, basically ending same-sex marriage in the state. And
he’s co-sponsoring the First Amendment Defense Act,
which would let government-funded organizations ignore laws that
conflict with their religious beliefs. His score with the Human Rights
Campaign is a big, fat zero.
Mike Pompeo, Central Intelligence Agency director
Trump chose Kansas congressman Mike Pompeo to fill the post of CIA director around the same time he tapped Sessions. While serving in congress, Pompeo voted
to protect anti-same-sex marriage opinions as free speech and also
supported a bill saying a state’s definition of marriage should
supersede the federal one. And during a 2014 interview with a Kansas State University radio station,
Pompeo elaborated on his opinion of same-sex marriage. “I don’t agree
with [same-sex marriage],” he said. “I think marriage ought to continue
to be between one man and one woman.” He went on, “I think as you look
back at civilization, look back at history, you find the strength of
these families having a father and a mother is the ideal condition for
childbearing. Doesn’t mean there aren’t great families with single
parents, great young men and women raised without either parent. If
you’re asking for what is ideal, I think it’s being raised by a man and a
woman.”
Betsy DeVos, Education secretary
Betsy DeVos, Trump’s pick for Education secretary, comes from a wealthy Michigan family with a long history of donating to anti-LGBT, pro-GOP causes. According
to Politico, DeVos and her husband — Dick DeVos — have “given hundreds
of thousands of dollars to Focus on the Family, a conservative Christian
group whose founder called the battle against LGBT rights a ‘second
civil war.’” DeVos’s late father and her husband’s family were also
major donors to the Family Research Council
(another conservative Christian group), and they reportedly donated
thousands to efforts to block the legalization of same-sex marriage in
states like Florida, Michigan, and California. The DeVos family reportedly donated $400,000 to victims of the Orlando shooting, but many pointed out that this pales in comparison to what they’ve spent to oppose LGBT causes.
Tom Price, Health and Human Services secretary
As a state representative for Georgia, Tom Price — Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services secretary —- voted against prohibiting job discrimination based on sexual orientation and in favor of defining marriage in the Constitution as between one man and one woman. He also has a zero rating from the Human Rights Campaign, and pro-LGBT advocates worry that, as secretary of Health, he could take away protections specifically for transgender Americans. Price is in favor of dismantling
the Affordable Care Act, which bans sex discrimination — including
discrimination against trans people — in health care. That means
insurance providers are obligated to cover transition-related care, but
with Price at the helm, that’s liable to change.
Price has also criticized protections for transgender students in public schools, saying
a “federal restroom policy” is “yet another abuse and overreach of
power by the Obama administration, and a clear invasion of privacy.”
Elaine Chao, Transportation secretary
Yesterday, Trump named Elaine Chao
to the post of secretary of Transportation. Chao served as secretary of
Labor for eight years under George W. Bush, and before that she worked
as a deputy secretary of Transportation under Bush Sr. She has no voting
record, so it’s tough to pin down where Chao stands on the issue of
LGBT rights, but her family provides some clues. She’s married to Senate
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who led opposition to LGBT rights
in the upper house. Chao has campaigned heavily for her husband in the
past, so it’s likely she shares at least some of his views on the issue.
Reince Priebus, chief of staff
True, Reince Priebus — Trump’s new chief of staff — doesn’t have a voting record either, but as chairman of the Republican Party, the guy spearheaded one of the most anti-LGBT platforms to date.
Among other things, it calls for the repeal of same-sex marriage, gives
states the right to choose which bathroom transgender people use, and
defends businesses who deny service to LGBT Americans based on their
religious beliefs. Priebus has also gone on record saying that being raised by heterosexual parents is the “best scenario” for children. (In fact, studies have shown that children raised by same-sex couples are just as happy and successful as those raised by opposite-sex couples.)
Mike Flynn, White House national security adviser
According
to the Human Rights Campaign, retired Army Lieutenant General Michael
Flynn has a “history of animus toward LGBT people.” Most recently Flynn,
whom Trump has named national security adviser,
went on a tirade against “political correctness” in response to the
Obama administration’s decision to allow transgender soldiers to serve
openly in the military. “My God, war is not about bathrooms,” he said
at the Republican National Convention. “War is not about political
correctness or words that are meaningless. War is about winning.” Flynn appeared to contradict himself
during an interview in July, saying, “On the gay issue, hey, you know
what, if people love each other, Jesus, I mean, come on.” It’s unclear
how or if his personal views will factor into the way he runs the
military.
Nikki Haley, ambassador to the United Nations
South Carolina governor Nikki Haley will serve as the ambassador to the United Nations, and although she drew fire from conservative pundits
for referencing “modern families” in her response to Obama’s final
State of the Union, she’s not exactly progressive when it comes to LGBT
issues. In 2010 she said
marriage is between “one man and one woman,” and three years later she
backed her state’s ban on same-sex marriage. “The citizens of South
Carolina spoke … they spoke something that I, too, believe, which is
marriage should be between a man and a woman,” she said
at the time.
“I’m going to stand by the people of this state, stand by
the Constitution, I’m going to support it and fight for it every step of
the way.”
An ordained tree in Thailand. Photo by Peter Hershey.
After the election of Donald Trump, Lion’s Roar shared a new teaching by Jack Kornfield, called “Practicing the Dharma Uncertain Times.” Now, Jack follows up with second, more action-oriented installment of post-election guidance and encouragement.
As long as a society holds regular and frequent assemblies, meeting in harmony and mutual respect, can they be expected to prosper and not decline.
As long as a society follows the long held traditions of wisdom, and honors its elders, can they be expected to prosper and not decline.
As long as a society protects the wives and daughters and vulnerable among them, can they be expected to prosper and not decline.
As long as a society cares for the shrines and sacred places of the natural world, can they be expected to prosper and not decline.
—Mahaparinirvana Sutta (a text of Buddha’s last teachings)
Whatever your political perspective, now is the season to stand up
for what matters. To stand against hate. To stand for respect. To stand
for protection of the vulnerable. To care for the natural world.
Do not believe that meditation and contemplation are the fulfillment
of the Buddhist Path. Inner peace, freedom and joy develop only when
paired with the outer teachings of virtue, respect and mutual care. The
foundation of Dharma is relational, built on generosity, virtue and
loving-kindness.
The Path to human happiness and liberation requires
Right Intention, intentions that are free from greed, hatred and
cruelty; Right Speech, speech that is true and helpful, not harsh, not
vain, slanderous nor abusive; and Right Action, actions that are free
from causing harm, killing, stealing and sexual exploitation.
In his life, the Buddha intervened to try to stop wars. He counseled
kings and ministers, and guided those around him with teachings of peace
and respect. In modern times, Maha Ghosananda of Cambodia joined the
United Nations peace process and led years of peace walks of
loving-kindness through the war zones and killing fields of Cambodia.
Thai abbots have taken their robes and ordained the oldest trees as
elders of the forest to protect whole ecosystems from logging. Burmese
monks and nuns marched in the streets to protect citizens from the harsh
military dictatorship. A.T. Ariyaratne in Sri Lanka enlisted hundreds
of thousands in a 500-year peace plan. Vietnamese, Chinese and Tibetan
monastics have stood up for peace, justice and compassion, even
immolating themselves to stop the harmful actions around them.
Gandhi explains, “Those who say spirituality has nothing to do with politics do not know what spirituality really means.”
This is not about red or blue. It is about standing up for the most
basic of human principles, for moral action and the prevention of harm.
It is embodying Dharma amidst the troubles of the world.
You are not alone. You have generations of ancestors at your back.
You have the blessing of interdependence and community. You have the
great trees of the forest as steadfast allies. You have the turning of
the seasons and the renewal of life as your music. You have the vast sky
of emptiness to hold all things graciously.
With peacefulness and mutual respect, our Buddhist communities can become centers of protection and vision.
You have been training for this for a long time. With practice you
have learned to quiet the mind and open the heart. You have learned
emptiness and interdependence. Now it is time to step forward, bringing
your equanimity and courage, wisdom and compassion to the world. The
Bodhisattva shows the way to alleviate suffering amidst it all.
As Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh explains, “When the crowded Vietnamese
refugee boats met with storms or pirates, if everyone panicked all would
be lost. But if even one person on the boat remained calm and centered,
it was enough. It showed the way for everyone to survive.”
Since the election, storms of uncertainty and fear have arisen. It is
time to collectively stand up, calm and clear. With peacefulness and
mutual respect, our Buddhist communities can become centers of
protection and vision.
Protection can take many forms. Protection can be providing sanctuary
for those in danger. Protection can be skillfully confronting those
whose actions would harm the vulnerable among us. Protection can be
standing up for the environment. Protection can be becoming an active
ally for those targeted by hate and prejudice.
Vision means carrying the lamp of the Dharma. It means standing up for the truth—no matter what: “Hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed.”
“Greed, Hate and Ignorance create suffering. Generosity, Love and Wisdom bring happiness.”
“Mind is the forerunner. Speak and act with a pure mind and happiness will follow.”
“Plant seeds of goodness, and well-being will grow.”
Now a time of change has come.
We must listen deeply, bear witness, honor everyone, and choose our actions wisely and courageously.
Do not worry if the Right Action is not yet clear to you.
Wait in the unknowing with mindfulness and a clear heart.
Soon the right time will come and you will know to stand up.
There
is humility in the act of pilgrimage, akin to the act of bowing; you’re
surrendering your own path to follow where others have gone before. It
puts you in place, in that sense, and your intentions in perspective.
So
what do I do? I do my best, but I give up the fruit of the action. If I
don't know what's supposed to happen, it's probably better if I don't
get to attached to one particular outcome. I listen to hear what my next
step should be. I do my acts in the best way I can. And how it comes
out...well, that's just how it comes out. Interesting, nothing more.
It's a matter of letting go of expectations.
If
we indulge the human propensity to understate, exaggerate, and alter
facts for whatever comfort or false security a lie might accord us, we
forfeit our capacity to see reality clearly, and see only a world of our
own invention.
Through
repeated meditation practice, we can build awareness of our existing
mental habits. With awareness, there is space—allowing us to interrupt
habitual response patterns and bring intention to our responses,
choosing to form a different association.
Zen priests and partners Robert
Chodo Campbell and Koshin Paley Ellison talk about the importance of
having meaningful conversations about what we want out of our life (and
death).
he third Buddhist Contemplative Care Symposium
was held at the Garrison Institute earlier this month, bringing
together 170 caregivers and healthcare practitioners for the
weekend-long event to discuss ways to make sure patients’ wishes are
kept in mind as they navigate the dying process.
Tricycle’s web editor, Wendy Joan Biddlecombe, sat down with
conference organizers Robert Chodo Campbell and Koshin Paley Ellison,
co-founders of the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, which offers the only accredited contemplative-based chaplaincy program in the U.S. Their book, Awake at the Bedside: Contemplative Teachings on Palliative and End-of-Life Care, was released by Wisdom Publications in April and is in its third printing.
Here’s what Chodo and Koshin
had to say when asked if the holidays are the appropriate time to have
the tough conversations about what we want out of our life (and death):
Koshin: Now is always a good time for meaningful conversations.
Chodo: Death is always present. It doesn’t stop for
the holidays. But I wouldn’t necessarily raise the topic over
Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas lunch unless there was someone in our
presence transitioning toward death. In that case, then I would want
everyone in the room to be open to a conversation. Because why would we
be sitting around and bullshitting and not talking about what’s in front
of us? So I don’t think it should be barred from the holidays, but it’s also
not something I’d put on the menu in particular: turkey, cranberry
sauce, death.
Koshin: One of the things that’s particular about
this symposium is that we’re gathering together to share the challenges
and joys of being with people in their death process. Most of the people
here are not clinicians—75 percent of end-of-life care comes from
family members and friends. How do we have the meaningful conversations
that make our wishes known, and how do we allow ourselves to really be
open to these conversations? Have you told everyone you love that you
love them? Are there people in your life who are you most grateful to?
Who haven’t you told that you love them or are grateful to them? Are
there relationships you would like to repair? What are you waiting for?
It’s amazing that we don’t often take these risks because of our own
nervousness or distractedness.
Chodo: Speaking of the holidays, a great party or
after-dinner game would be to have everyone write down the five most
important people in their life. Koshin: And why.
Chodo: And why. Who is the person you could call at
three o’clock in the morning if you really needed something? Most of us
don’t have five people. We might get one or two. Koshin: Who would drop everything to show up for you.
Chodo: And that can be quite shocking: “Wow, I need to tend to my relationships. I need to write more, call more.”
Koshin: Those relationships are like the refuge of
sangha. We live in a time where isolation is one of the greatest
indicators of morbidity and early death.
Chodo: It could be simply looking around the table
and thinking, “Yeah, no, yeah, no. Maybe, yeah, no. Yeah,
definitely”—those are the people that are important to me in my life.
Koshin: It’s also who you don’t want to be
there. Because when we have very little time, seeing certain people can
be too complicated, too charged, too traumatic. It’s important to just
be able to know who you don’t want to be there and if you want to
address that relationship . . . or not. Our practice is to investigate
everything.
