My dear friends,
King Saul
Lidia Kozenitzky
1 Samuel 8:4-20 tells of a time when the people of Israel, under the influence of worldly concerns, chose to follow a king rather than the teachings of the Torah -- a decision they would come to regret:
in mortals, in whom there is no help.
When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
on that very day their plans perish.
- Psalm 146:3-4
In times such as these, in the face of rising authoritarianism and delusion, let us consider the advice of Geshe Chekawa:
are filled with evil,
change this adverse circumstance
into the path to full awakening.
- Chekawa Yeshe Dorje,
Mind Training in Seven Points, 3a
We can apply this guidance in several meaningful ways:
- Cultivate Inner Strength and Resilience
- Meditation and Prayer: Regularly engage in meditation and prayer to cultivate inner peace, strength, and resilience. These practices anchor us in the divine presence of Bodhicitta, the mind of love, compassion, and wisdom.
- Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to remain present and aware of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. This awareness helps prevent us from being swept away by the currents of fear and delusion.
- Embody Compassion and Love
- Acts of Kindness: Follow the example of Jesus and the Bodhisattvas by engaging in acts of kindness and compassion. Serve those who are suffering or marginalized, and extend love even to those who may seem to be our enemies.
- Compassionate Listening: Offer a listening ear and a compassionate heart to those around us. Understanding and empathy can bridge divides and foster healing.
- Seek and Spread Wisdom
- Study and Reflection: Deepen your understanding of spiritual teachings by studying the scriptures and the works of enlightened teachers. Reflect on their relevance to the present circumstances.
- Teach and Share: Share the wisdom you gain with others. Teaching and discussing spiritual principles can help awaken others to the truth and counteract ignorance and delusion.
- Engage in Skillful Means
- Nonviolent Action: Engage in nonviolent resistance and advocacy for justice, guided by the principles of compassion and wisdom. Stand against injustice and oppression with a heart rooted in love.
- Creative Solutions: Use creativity and skillful means to address problems and transform negative situations. This might involve community organizing, artistic expression, or innovative approaches to social issues.
- Maintain Faith and Hope
- Trust in the Way: Place your trust not in worldly powers, but in the wise and compassionate guidance of enlightened beings.
- Hope in Adversity: Maintain hope and faith even in difficult times. Remember that adversity can be a catalyst for profound spiritual awakening and transformation.
- Transform Personal Conduct
- Ethical Living: Live ethically and with integrity, following the moral precepts taught by Jesus and the Bodhisattva path. Personal conduct rooted in love, compassion, and ethical discipline can have a ripple effect on the broader community.
- Self-Reflection: Regularly engage in self-reflection and self-correction. Acknowledge and work on your own shortcomings and biases, transforming them into opportunities for growth.
By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we not only strengthen our own spiritual path but also contribute to the collective awakening of humanity. In times of widespread delusion and authoritarianism, our commitment to compassion, wisdom, and transformative action can serve as a beacon of hope and a powerful force for positive change.