“We are living out kindness and compassion by staying home and keeping physical distance.”
Published 3/17/20 by Rev. Melissa Opel, Minister Assistant, Spokane Buddhist Temple
Hello Sangha!
It’s only been a few days since we haven’t seen each other but I miss you all already. I imagine many of us are feeling uncertain, maybe a little afraid, lonely…the feelings go on and on. Our mind may be racing with anxiety and struggling to find the line between fear and practicality. Like many things in our lives, this is not a new way to wonder about the world around us—right now it’s just far more exacerbated by the media, toilet paper shortages, hoarding and our own Bombu nature pushing our decision making. In times of trouble, we may forget that kindness and compassion goes a long way and reaching out to friends and neighbors can ease the suffering of our spinning mind. We can’t control what is going on around us but we can at least try and slow the spinning so we can make sense of everything the best we can.
For me, my hands are very dry from all the washing and my day job has sent us home to work remotely. I know that I am fortunate to be among those that currently are getting to work safely. Not leaving the house or enjoying sports or whatever it is for you, is taxing on the mind but we must try and remember that this will pass. Tomorrow will be different. Once you make it through today, you never have to repeat it again.
We will have much to help each other with in the coming months as those around us may be suffering mentally, physically or financially from the corona virus but hopefully we all recognize that this isolation, no matter the impact on our life, is saving other people’s lives. We are living out kindness and compassion by staying home and keeping physical distance. On a practical level don’t forget that technology has opened up the world around us. We can communicate with friends and loved ones via FaceTime, Skype or other services— if you still know how to use a phone (haha-just kidding) you can call people. You can play games online with others, have one or two friends over to share a meal as long as it can be done safely and so much more. Don’t forget to get outside for a walk and do the simple things that will settle your mind. Please login to YouTube on Sunday’s for the Seattle Betsuin’s services and follow other temples and BCA ministers that can offer you the dharma during this time. As much normality that we can keep in our lives, the better our mental and spiritual health will be. Buddhist Churches of America also has chanting that you can follow along to as well.
Most importantly, if you’re able to help others, please do. Say thank you to cashiers, mind your temper and frustrations when you go to the store and it’s out of the things you need. Thank the truck drivers who are working tirelessly to deliver goods and our healthcare providers who are struggling to care for the sick. The more gratitude we can show to others, the more peace we will be able to find in these uncertain days.
If your mind just won’t stop with the what-if’s, focus on your breath, recount your gratitude and take refuge in the nembutsu. It’s so easy to get caught up with everything around us and to forget our place of refuge. You are embraced by the Buddha of Wisdom and Compassion, continue to find refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Even though we are not together on Sunday’s and other temple activities, we remain a Sangha. Please let us know how we can help and we will do our best to find a way.
I would like to leave you Gomonshu Ohtani’s “Our Pledge” to focus on when you need to step away from the news channels and the worries that may be filling your home.
“Breaking out of my shell
I will share a warm smile and speak gentle words
Just like the kind Buddha
Not becoming lost in my tree, anger, and ignorance
I shall think and act with an open-mind
Just like the calm and peaceful Buddha
Not putting myself first
I will share in the joy and sadness of others
Just like the compassionate Buddha
Realizing the gift of life I have received
I shall strive to live each day to its fullest
Like the Buddha who tirelessly works to liberate all.”
Name Amida Butsu
In Gassho,
Rev. Opel, Ministers Assistant, Spokane Buddhist Temple
