Teacher, author and activist Jack Kornfield sent in this submission, just prior to the 2008 American election.
Whatever your political beliefs, your active informed citizenship is a part of a wise household practice. We are at a critical juncture in American history, with major decisions to make about the global environment, economics, foreign policy and social justice, decisions that will deeply affect all of us for generations ahead.
We urge you to engage, respectfully, and to act on your values: register voters, go to work in swing states, support what you believe to be wise social action and enlist others to join you in your work. Let the inner qualities of wisdom and compassion inspire your outer vision and find a way to support and embody these values for the benefit of all.
Signed:
Lama Palden Alioto – Sukkhasiddhi Foundation
Sylvia Boorstein – Spirit Rock Center
Norman Fischer – Former abbot San Francisco Zen Center
Trudy Goodman – Insight LA
Jack and Liana Kornfield – Spirit Rock Center
Lew Richmond – Vimala Sangha
Sharon Salzberg – Insight Meditation Society
John Tarrant, Roshi – Pacific Zen Institute
Roger Walsh – Dzogchen Foundation
“When a society comes together and makes decisions in harmony, when it respects its most noble traditions, cares for its most vulnerable members, treats its forests and lands with respect, then it will prosper and not decline.” — Mahaparinirvana sutra
[…] call your attention to this post from a while back, where Jack Kornfield and a host of other prominent Buddhist teachers called on […]