Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I keep returning to the idea, the long-cultivated assumption, that out it’s one thing to be a follower of the Lord Buddha and something else entirely to advocate for and defend the rights of people being targeted for hatred and oppression. And although I still hold the view that this should largely be the case for monastics, the idea is falling flat on its face in light of our new, fascist America. 

Clearly, I consume a largely vegan diet, try to limit my conspicuous consumption and support any number of environmental and conservation initiatives. So, why is it any worse to use my gains and free time as a lay person to champion the causes of the downtrodden? It really seems to me that the real concern is to keep my mind and hearty on an even keel. Sympathetic to all. The hater and the hatred. The oppressor and the oppressed. And, luckily, the Dhamma gives us the tools to do so. 

May all beings be free from suffering!