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(Still) The Most Radical Thing Ever |
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by Darrin Drda
Email: d_drda (nospam) hotmail.com (verified) |
13 Sep 2006
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To love ones’ enemies is extremely subversive, not just emotionally, but politically – perhaps now more than ever. |
As everyone knows, September 11th marked the 5th anniversary of the infamous attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. As it turns out, it was also the 2nd Monday of the month, which in the context of my local meditation group means that it’s the one session of the month set aside for Loving-kindness meditation, also known as "metta" practice, which I typically lead.
The practice is fairly simple, in theory. It’s based on the premise all sentient beings are alike in having a primary desire to be happy. Of course, we’re all seeking happiness in disparate and myriad ways, some of which might seem ridiculous or downright disturbing. Indeed, some sentient beings seem to be hard at work destroying other sentient beings in their confused quest for happiness. But the main idea is that despite the means, the motivation behind our behavior is the same. When taken to heart, this insight gives rise to a sense of compassion for our common plight.
"Metta" practice itself involves the use of "resolves," or earnest wishes for the well-being of a certain person or group of individuals. The recipient is brought to mind as an object of concentration while the resolves are repeated, usually in silence. "May you be safe from harm…may you be healthy…may you be happy…may you be at peace…may you be free," etc. Traditionally, one begins by focusing on one’s self, then moving outwards to friends and family, then maybe community… country… world… eventually including all sentient beings "in all universes."
Clearly, nobody gets left out. Which is where this practice gets tricky. Because at some point in the expansion of our bubble of loving-kindness, we come up against characters we might not particularly like – perhaps even openly despise: the Bushes and Bin Ladens, the super-patriots and the suicide bombers of the world. Suddenly the bubble bursts and the heart hardens. The mind insists that X does NOT deserve to be healthy and happy and at peace. In fact, what they REALLY deserve is…
But wait — wouldn’t the world be a much better place if all those "evildoers" were truly happy and at peace, free from debilitating and dangerous misconceptions? And actually, isn’t that what I want for myself too? So the inner dialogue goes; the heart softens again, and the meditation continues. It isn’t always easy. In fact, it’s often damn difficult. But I’ve discovered that it IS possible to feel genuine compassion and love – if even for a few moments at a time – for people who normally disgust me.
So on that dreadful anniversary, I was reminded by a Buddhist practice of Christ’s directive to LOVE YOUR ENEMIES. And it struck me, as it has before, of how completely radical that is, in concept and in practice. It’s extremely subversive, not just emotionally, but politically – perhaps now more than ever. Just to sit silent and still is to defy America’s overdriven consumer culture. And to offer understanding – let alone compassion – to terrorists could surely be construed as high treason to many on the right, just as many on the left might consider the idea of extending love to Cheney and Rumsfeld to be offensive at least, and ineffectual at best.
My own experience has shown me that loving my enemies isn’t ineffectual, but richly rewarding and transformative. After all, September 11 also marked the anniversary of "satyagraha," Ghandi’s campaign of nonviolence that changed the course of history and introduced a powerful, new form of political action. Though today we face a different and perhaps greater challenge, I like to think that the world can still be changed through peace, love and understanding. It certainly couldn’t hurt to try.
May all beings be happy and at peace. |
See also:
http://www.darrindrda.org
http://www.myspace.com/darrindrda
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