The greatest weapon authoritarians have at their disposal is their ability to demoralize the resistance by making its members feel isolated and powerless. When people feel alone and defenseless, they follow Aesop’s advice that it’s better to bend than to break; better to keep one’s head down, one’s mouth shut, and obey in advance. When people observe the rich and powerful bowing and scraping, they wonder what chance they could possibly have to remain upright.
That’s why we created the Buddhist Coalition for Democracy. While cowardice is contagious, so is courage. Every time we sign the Call to Action, become members, or bear witness to cruelty, we sit up a little straighter. More importantly, Sangha enables us to sit upright together. We are fostering a beloved community where we can be seen and heard, and where we can gain inspiration, hope, and courage from each other. The moral strength we draw from each other enables each of us to resist in ways that feel appropriate for us. Some of us will attend protests, demonstrate, or bear witness at ICE facilities; some will volunteer on Buddhist Coalition for Democracy committees; some will write books, articles, and essays, or create podcasts, poetry, art, or film that speaks to the moment; some will donate to worthy causes and discuss the issues of the day with sangha, friends, and family; some will run for office or support candidates who embody their aspirations. There is no one way to resist tyranny, but many ways, small and large, that help to keep democracy alive. Don’t compare what you are doing to what someone else does, but find your own meaningful path to resistance that grows organically from your unique strengths and talents and that, at the same time, recognizes your own vulnerabilities.
On August 6th at 7:00 PM the Buddhist Coalition for Democracy will hold a virtual Mindful Town Hall rather than an ordinary general membership meeting. Instead of hearing about issues and actions, we will have an opportunity to speak mindfully and from the heart about how this moment in history is affecting us, and to hear how our fellow sangha members are being affected. It will be an opportunity for deep listening, reflection, sharing, and interconnection, and an antidote to alienation, isolation, and demoralization.
We want the Buddhist Coalition for Democracy to be more than just another political organization. We want it to be a sangha, a refuge, and a home for those of us who are doing the best we can to resist tyranny and revitalize democracy.
Our Mindful Town Hall will be facilitated by Serge Prengel who is a focusing-oriented psychotherapist, a mindfulness practitioner, and a member of Pamsula Zen of Westchester and the Buddhist Coalition for Democracy. Serge writes, “We cannot help but be affected by the enormity of what is happening,” adding, “there is a time and place, for those so inclined, to take adversity as an entry point for inner connection and interconnection.”
Serge goes on to explain, “the format will be different from what is traditionally meant by Town Hall. It will not be a discussion of issues and opinions. Instead of being focused on outside events, we will be deepening inner connection by focusing on how each of us is experiencing these events. We will be paying attention to inner process and the meanings that emerge from that for each of us. Together, we will co-create a space that fosters safety and respect for the many different ways that we are affected and respond.”
You can register for the Mindful Town Hall by clicking here.
Details about the Mindful Town Hall and how to attend will be forthcoming in our Constant Contact newsletter and on our website events calendar. I, for one, am really looking forward to it. I hope to see you there!