Summary: In this episode I tackle religion and politics. Should they mix? The Dalai Lama has said, “I question the popular assumption that religion and ethics have no place in politics and that religious persons should seclude themselves as hermits.” And in this episode I question that assumption as well. The World English Dictionary defines politics as "the complex or aggregate of relationships of people in society, esp those relationships involving authority or power." Notice that politics is about relationships. To deny religion a voice in politics is to act as if religion should have nothing to say about how we live together. The Dharma teaches you how to have and develop relationships that are built on wisdom and compassion. I am sure you’ve heard the old saying, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” This is true in politics as well. Good people must be engaged in the political arena if we are to ever see it change. Most people are apathetic, feeling what’s the use. That apathy is the cause of the continued dominance of the minority who have the money and are using that money to decide who gets elected. What is Buddhist Politics? In Buddhist politics the method is mindfulness, the expression is compassion, and the essence is wisdom. Let’s look at each of these three closer. Mindfulness allows us the opportunity to unplug from the matrix, to separate ourselves from the stories we are being told, and begin to see things as they are, right here, right now. Compassion motivates us to help one another, to sacrifice for the good of others, and to treat each other with kindness. Compassion would end wars, resolve conflicts, and bring peace and harmony to the world. Wisdom enables us to use our knowledge to help and not harm, to build and not destroy, and to see beyond appearances. Wisdom would allow us to see beyond the illusion of dualism and truly realize the interdependence of all things. We Need a Social Awakening. Buddhism focuses us personal awakening, but in that personal awakening there should also come a social awakening. “In fact,” writes David Loy, “any individual awakening we may have on our meditation cushions remains incomplete until it is supplemented by such a ‘social awakening.’” Research Links http://www.jayforrestshow.com/bookstore/ http://www.dalailama.com/messages/world-peace/human-rights-democracy-and-freedom http://www.democracynow.org/ http://www.freepress.org http://www.mediawatch.org http://www.gp.org http://www.lp.org Voicemail Feedback Line Your feedback is important, please call 505-750-3121 and leave a voice message to be played on the show. Music Credits Questions by Lil Dynomite Podcast Survey You can help me better serve you and let me know a little more about you. Please fill out the survey over at the Blubrry Network, the link is: http://www.blubrry.com/jayforrestshow/survey/ Jay Forrest Show Resources My Blog - Read the latest from my personal Blog Beliefs - What are the basic beliefs of Buddhism. About - Who is Jay Forrest? Contact - Contact information including email and phone number. Bookstore - A list of some of the best Buddhist books. Shop - Buy a T-Shirt or Mug and show your support. Privacy Policy - Read our Privacy Policy Subscribe to the Podcast Make sure you never miss an episode of the Jay Forrest Show by subscribing to the podcast. For complete instructions click here.
