Sprouting Kindness

I was invited to speak at a protest rally with a unique twist. The event was titled “Joy, As Resistance,” and it was sponsored by a coalition of progressive churches in Bend. I usually don’t feel compelled to protest in an outward manner, but this event seemed different. It was about maintaining our sense of joy and love in the face of challenging circumstances.

I suppose there were 200 to 300 humans gathered in Drake Park, with people hoisting the usual protest signs. I felt like a fish out of water. Buddhism emphasizes non-dualism, which means not creating a sense of self and other. The atmosphere of the event was indeed quite different from some protests I’ve observed in my life—after all, I was influenced by the Vietnam War era. 

But when I got up to speak about the four boundless qualities of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity, I wasn’t sure this was the right venue—especially when I got to the part about being free from attachment and aversion. How can you have a protest without the idea of us against them? I came away with the feeling I may have misread the crowd. I don’t really know. You would need to ask the crowd.

Three days later, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of 100 students in the world religion course at Bend High School. It was a completely different experience compared to my previous talk. These students had chosen to actively listen and engage with the Buddhist perspective on life. Their attentiveness and thoughtful questions were evident throughout the class. Even after the class ended, a line formed with a few students wanting to ask further questions. Their inquisitive minds were truly open and insightful.

Not everyone’s mind is receptive to Dharma teachings. I appreciate that it requires some effort before the Dharma can blossom within one’s heart. Our awareness must be cultivated and nurtured in preparation for the seed to be planted—then, it will instantly sprout in a flash of insight. Paradoxically, this insight was already present, but it was obscured by ego and mental habits.

It’s almost impossible to predict when a person’s mind will open, so it’s best to keep offering Dharma seeds as requested and see what happens. Perhaps a little loving kindness will sprout in unexpected places. Maybe, in this moment, compassion lies just beneath the surface in all beings, waiting for a sip of natural insight to encourage it to surface and share its nourishment with everyone.