If there is one thing in 2019 we are sorely in need of, it's more compassion and empathy. I know this has been the rallying cry of many different corners of our society for a while now -- some have even weaponized the idea of civility as a means of shutting down dissent. But look … Continue reading Building A Better Buddhist in 2019
Tag: engaged buddhism
(Personal) Thoughts From a 38 Year Old
Today is my birthday. It is also the anniversary of the first time atomic weapons were ever used in war, when Hiroshima was bombed on this date in 1945. I'm fascinated by this face, and I like to tell people whenever I talk about my birthday. I used to think I did this because it … Continue reading (Personal) Thoughts From a 38 Year Old
(Politics) Your Light is All You Have
The world is on fire and nothing is okay. At a time when climate change is chugging along exactly as scientists said it would, when we're running out of fresh water and the crude, polluting oil we've built our entire society around, the world is caught up in a wave of xenophobia, authoritarianism and weaponized … Continue reading (Politics) Your Light is All You Have
(Politics) Fighting to Save the Things We Love
"That's how we're going to win: not fighting what we hate, saving what we love." - Rose Tico, Star Wars: The Last Jedi Last week, the actress who played Rose, Kelly Marie Tran, deleted her Instagram account after months of harassment rooted in racism and misogyny by trolls who hated her inclusion in the Skywalker … Continue reading (Politics) Fighting to Save the Things We Love
(Mental Health) How to Help Others
When I look back on the person I was in college -- during the worst period of my depression -- I am honestly amazed that I still have so many friends who knew me back then. I spent most of my time in the computer lab talking to folks online, and barely had enough energy … Continue reading (Mental Health) How to Help Others
(Politics) Mindful Resistance
Ever since Michael Brown was shot dead by a police officer in Ferguson, MO I don't think I've been able to reflect on our political situation without a mix of anger, horror or despair. It's been tough to know what to do with these very difficult emotions even at the best of times; when the … Continue reading (Politics) Mindful Resistance
Kwanzaa, Day 2: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Habari gani, brothers and sisters? A depressingly common refrain we tend to get whenever we make the attempt to center blackness for a time is "Why don't we get WHITE (pride, History Month, superheroes, etc.)?" My response is this: Has this ever happened to most (if not all) white ancestors in your family? … Continue reading Kwanzaa, Day 2: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Kwanzaa, Day 1: Umoja (Unity)
Habari gani? You might not know it, but today is the first day of Kwanzaa! A lot of people tend to dismiss Kwanzaa because it's a made up holiday, or because it promotes divisiveness by centering the African diaspora, or because the whole thing sounds so silly. But all holidays were newly made up at … Continue reading Kwanzaa, Day 1: Umoja (Unity)
(Personal) Spit and Vinegar into Clear Water
I think most Buddhists, if we're really honest with ourselves deep down, flirt with the daydream of what we'd look like enlightened. I know personally I would love to resemble Budai, the eternally-laughing bodhisattva known for his jovial attitude, wisdom, contentment, and the fact that you can rub his belly for good luck. In my … Continue reading (Personal) Spit and Vinegar into Clear Water
(Politics) Why I’m Boycotting the NFL
Exactly one year ago today, Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem in a silent protest against police brutality and the inadequate response by police departments around the country to the demand for more accountability. The NFL never really forgave him for the controversy it ignited; after opting out of his contract with … Continue reading (Politics) Why I’m Boycotting the NFL
From the Desk of Jakebe T. Rabbit 