Engaged Buddhism shows path to peace.

Byline: FROM HEART TO HEART By Michael Carrigan For The Register-Guard

We live in difficult times. The Middle East is in flames. Hurricane Katrina pulled back the curtain to expose the endemic inequities in our society. The planet is warming at unprecedented rate with potentially grave consequences. I see those in power in Washington, D.C., as seeming oblivious to the pain and suffering.

In my view, only by opening our eyes to and looking deeply at the nature of suffering can we develop compassion, find ways out of suffering, and transform our society. We can't wait for those we elect to national office to make this change - we, the people, have to do it.

Engaged Buddhism, as put forward by Vietnamese Zen Buddhist master and peace and human rights activist Thich Nhat Hanh, teaches that war and conflict cause immense suffering and that to end this suffering we must take action - cultivate nonviolence, understanding and compassion in our daily lives, make a commitment not to kill and not to let others kill, and discover better ways to protect life and prevent war.

Thich Nhat Hanh also teaches that we need to learn ways to work for the well-being of all life, practice generosity by sharing our time, energy and material resources, and try to prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other beings.

Inspired by these teachings, I've made a commitment to live simply and work to make the world a better place by being a full-time peace and justice activist. But this tall order is not easy to fulfill. I have problems setting limits and often succumb to overwork.

According to Thomas Merton, `The frenzy of the activist destroys his own inner capacity for peace, and destroys the fruitfulness of his own work because it kills the root of inner wisdom that makes work fruitful.'

A simple way to contain activist frenzy was taught by the Buddha. I engage in mindful breathing by following the breath. This exercise returns me to the present moment and enables me to relax, making it less likely that I'll be carried away by regrets about the past or worries about the future.

Another common activist dilemma I've experienced is passing judgment on those who remain on the sidelines, and angrily condemning opponents or allies who disagree with me. But the Dalai Lama's heart of compassion, and his refusal to `hate' the Chinese even though they have inflicted terrible suffering on the Tibetan people, has inspired me and helped me let go of the anger I've directed toward President Bush and other political leaders. I suffer less. and I'm a more effective agent for social change.

I believe that just as one cannot organize effectively alone, it's not possible to maintain an ongoing spiritual practice without joining with others. I've been fortunate to find a local group, the Cedar Sangha, that's part of Thich Nhat Hanh's Order of Interbeing. We meditate and share what's in our hearts. The mindful and loving energy created stays with me and reminds me to follow my breath when I return to my busy life.

Michael Carrigan practices the teachings of Vietnamese Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh with the Cedar Sangha. This column is coordinated by Two Rivers Interfaith Ministries, a local network of more than 35 religious and spiritual traditions. For more information, call 344-5693 or visit www.interfaitheugene.org.