I had the pleasure of visiting the place of my birth in South India this past winter with my Ama (momma) where I gazed upon hundreds of monks in scarlet-hued robes chant in unison. They sat reciting mantras and prayers for the betterment of all sentient beings on earth and beyond.

As I performed the three prostrations and concentrated on my thoughts, it was revealed to me that this method of sitting still and intentionally holding focus where goodness and healing were summoned, is another way to make the deep changes I so desperately need from my world. This realization shook me because until that moment, I was married to the idea that the social/ecological changes I seek can only come from direct, confrontational, aggressive energy against those who oppress. I was being shown there are other ways.
In knowing that desire, I am returning back to Buddhist teachings and principles which I so rejected as soft and ineffective in my firey youth. As I turn 34, I’m giggling to myself thinking about what 24 year old me would think of my approach to Justice now. I think my 24 year old self would argue the daylight out of the Strategy of Softness that her future self holds. As a recent graduate of the School of Unity and Liberation, she would then tell me that People of Color need to be good fundraisers because POCs need more power and you get that from $$$ under this system of economics. And I, being the wise 34 year old I am now would listen. I will listen. So…

Friends, beloveds, please help me celebrate my birthday (month) by raising some funds for the group that is putting my need for deep changes using the strategy of softness: The Buddhist Peace Fellowship. This is what they’re up to (taken from their website ): 

PURPOSE: The Buddhist Peace Fellowship shapes movements for ecological and social justice by sharing spiritual-political practices and resources. We come together from multiple lineages, Buddhist and otherwise, to support bold, creative, loving actions to block systemic harm, while building collaborative tools and gatherings that give us the strength to be with our suffering, in order to transform towards liberation. 

VISION: The Buddhist Peace Fellowship is a constellation of spiritual-political practitioners who, with guidance from the earth, ancestors and the Buddhadharma, seek to build a world where:

+We take care of each other, addressing needs holistically and working generatively with conflict.

+We honor the inherent and dynamic Buddha-nature in all beings, without hierarchy of worth.

+We deeply know and exercise agency, consent, and responsibility in ourselves, our bodies, and our relationships.

+The Dharma is practiced with reverence, grounded in lineage, and can be accessed by all.

+Everyone, including and especially those living at the intersections of historic oppressions, is physically, emotionally, and spiritually free to live liberated lives.

+Social movements to heal systemic harm are rooted in fierce compassion. Movements have the depth to embody paradox, while transforming power structures and moving us toward continual awakening
THANK YOU!