As a contemplative monk, the principal aim of my life and work is to cultivate genuine compassion for all sentient beings. This is done, in part, by disciplining myself to sit quietly in my room, meditating and developing the skills of calm abiding. Such a practice is helpful, and makes the cultivation of compassion easier, but it is not enough.
in order for genuine compassion to arise, I have to muster the courage to take action. Genuine compassion compels me to want to do something to alleviate the suffering of others. It is active, engaged, socially aware. I must be willing to confront and deal with the challenges that arise from placing myself “on the line”, when injustices occur. I must be willing to demonstrate the courage to alleviate the suffering that exists, not only in the lives of the apparent “victims” of injustice, but in the lives of those who appear to be their oppressors.
Often, I find myself assisting someone who’s struggle with drugs or alcohol have caused them to spiral out of control. And it is easy to cultivate compassion for their suffering, while looking at their dealers as the “bad guys”. In truth, however, many of those dealers are suffering as well. True compassion, engaged loving-kindness, seeks to alleviate their suffering as well.
It is the same with my work in interspiritual dialogue.
There are individuals who come to the Spiritus Project seeking answers. They may find themselves struggling with some of the doctrines, superstitions, oppressive dogma or irrational beliefs of their current religion. Some might be struggling with a fundamental disbelief in the entire concept of theism itself. And others might be simply looking for something more substantial.
What matters is not so much whether their current belief system is based on myths, legends or superstitions; because all religions have that in common. What matters is that all spiritual paths seek to alleviate suffering… to inspire us to become better persons. Some attempt that through the cultivation of fear. I don’t personally believe such an approach is very effective. Our approach is to offer a rational, non-religious approach to the nature of suffering, the possibility of eliminating it, and the realistic path to meet that goal.
We don’t have to disarm a person’s religious beliefs. They’ll discover, as they learn to recognise the root of suffering often includes fear, those things which can be released in their belief systems. Often, that means that someone who calls themselves a follower of Christ will develop a deeper and richer understanding of the real teaching of their master, than they experienced in religion. Many followers of Islam, Hindu dharma, Sikhism, Wicca, Druidism and other paths find that their experience of the spiritual truths in their tradition become more vibrantly alive, once they learn the science and philosophy of the Dharma.
What matters to me is that I somehow manage to inspire others to apply the principles of their spiritual traditions in a way that gives rise to genuine compassion… and that the compassion they feel in their hearts and minds compels them to take action.
This, we call “Engaged Dharma”… because it is not enough for the student to be “in the dharma”. The dharma must also, as we are reminded by my spiritual brother, His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, be in us.
Namasté!
- dharmacharya gurudas śunyatananda
http://dharmadudeunplugged.com
Copyright ©2008, Dharmacharya Gurudas Śunyatananda (Dr. F. Gianmichael Salvato). All rights reserved. This article may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire blog, including by-lines, contact information and this copyright remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.
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