for me the foundation of Buddhist wisdom is an awareness of our interdependence. we do not exist in a vacuum, as an independent “self.” we exist, because other life exists. without the elements, without the sun, the rain, minerals, our parents, those who support us in a myriad of ways (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually), we would not be here in this form as this “me” or have this life as we have it now. waking up to this can give rise to great humility and gratitude. and in waking up to this, we can see the value in all life around us, treating all life with reverence – because we are that life and that life is us, there is no separation.

is this so different from Jesus’ words in Mark, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”?

the inequity and injustice we see, the individual and structural racism we see, the lack of empathy we see, the rhetoric of aggression we see, the incitement of violence we see are all evidence of our failure in recognizing our interdependence and loving our neighbor as ourself.

live with reverence for yourself and others.

…and #VOTE.

~j

#interdependence #LoveYourNeighborAsYourself #SitDownRiseUp #EngagedBuddhism #JinpaLhaga #YogiTea