Nothing has Changed—Inauguration Day

“Even if the sun rises in the west, the way of the bodhisattva is the same.”  –Suzuki Roshi

Many folks are challenged by the reality of a Trump presidency. But, from the perspective of the Dharma, nothing has changed. As practitioners, we remain steadfast in generating bodhicitta, the heart/mind of compassion. This is very important. If we maintain our resolve to practice and embody the way of compassion, nothing in the relative world can affect us. We know our direction and will continue to work for the benefit of all beings.

When our experience of the world surfaces strong emotions—and we are consumed by that energy—we lose sight of the Dharma. We fall into a kind self-created hell. This is of little benefit to ourself and others. It is nothing more than a momentary distraction from the true nature of mind and requires us to double down on practice. This is an opportunity to become more honest about our intention and commitment. We may possibly discover the real courage of a bodhisattva.

As aspiring bodhisattvas, we do not take refuge in a political party or ideology. We do not take refuge in anything so changeable. We take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—our innate wisdom and compassion. This has sustained sincere practitioners through wars, famine, holocausts, all manner of regimes, and those monks and nuns still incarcerated in Chinese prisons just because they believe in kindness. We have the luxury of whining while we are generally free, fed, and sheltered.

I see this moment in history as just another invitation to wake up. I will continue practice, share the dharma, love the people in my life as well as the greater mandala of beings. Nothing has changed.