Words are powerful and have the ability to hurt or to heal.
This was on clear display as a frenzied mob attacked the United States Capitol in an attempt to subvert a fair and free election. Our most sacred temple of democracy was desecrated by domestic terrorists. This violence is unacceptable, reprehensible, and morally wrong.
The recklessness by which the current President, like-minded lawmakers, and right-wing media have promoted lies and unfounded conspiracy theories are solely responsible for these acts of violence and destruction. People died because of these lies.
True leadership is about responsibility, not power. A leader’s words and actions matter. The President and others have failed in their oaths to safeguard our democracy and to protect the American people.
The Buddha taught that “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. It is founded on our thoughts. It is made up of our thoughts. If one speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows one, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the wagon.” And we know that this pain is not just limited to an individual but is shared by all because of the interdependent and interconnected nature of our lives.
I believe in democracy, peaceful protest, and the rule of law. What occurred this week is not the way. We are better than this.
Let us cease hatred through love as the Buddha taught. We can disagree without hate, vitriol, and violence. We must learn to live together for the sake of our collective future.
Our differences can be resolved through respectful dialogue based on truth and fact. Anything else is a waste of time. No more bull****.
We have real problems that need to be addressed. We have the difficult task of mending ourselves, our communities, and our nation. This process will be uncomfortable and sometimes painful but if we move forward together with love, we can and will heal.
May our thoughts, words, and actions be guided by the light of all-inclusive wisdom and all-embracing compassion.
No more bull****. Let’s get to work.