Engaged Buddhism

During the months of April and May, we read the fourth chapter, “Engaged Buddhism” of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Answers from the Heart: Practical Responses to Life’s Burning Questions. Below are a few of the questions with abbreviated versions of the answers.

Q: Many of us activists are dedicated to the cause of peace, but we see so little progress we get discouraged. How do we avoid burnout?

A: The solution is found in the Sangha, from which you receive collective energy and support. Other brothers and sisters will help with the work so you will have some time to restore yourself. You must also have the courage to say no, so you won’t be overwhelmed. If you lose yourself, you cannot profit the world. Along with your compassion, preserving yourself provides you with the opportunity to serve others.

Q: Our planet is threatened by global warming, extinction of species, and pollution in our rivers and oceans. What can we as Buddhists do to help save the Earth?

A: The alive, abundant, beautiful Earth is a Pure Land, a true paradise, but we don’t know how to cherish and preserve her. That’s why we need the Buddha. He is not a god. He has awakened, and knows what’s going on. He is us. So practicing the Dharma helps us wake up to this beautiful planet that needs our protection. With collective awakening, things can move quickly, so everything we do should be aimed at bringing about collective awakening.

Q: Suppose I work in an industry that produces toxic poisons or that sells a harmful product or that causes conflict between people. How do I reconcile helping others while working in such a field? Should I quit my job?

A: Thay tells the story of an apparently wealthy man who came to visit him, troubled about his job designing nuclear warheads. He asked if he should quit his job. After considering the question, Thay told him he should continue his job, but mindfully. Despite the nature of his work, the man was doing it conscientiously, and if he were to quit a less mindful person might take the job and make matters worse. People with demanding jobs and all of us can be practitioners and Dharma teachers. A lawyer, for example, can practice looking deeply with compassion and help her clients do the same so that they may be healed and transformed. She must protect and speak for her client, from her heart; and she can help her client understand the opposing point of view. In court she can water the seeds of understanding and compassion in everyone, including the judge. Others there will observe and appreciate her practice.

We’re not fully enlightened yet, so we need the Five Mindfulness Trainings to help us make progress along our path. We don’t have to practice them perfectly. It’s good enough to know we are making steps in the right direction. If you have a job that goes against the spirit of the Five Mindfulness Trainings, you should look for the opportunity to get out of that situation into work that doesn’t harm humans and nature. The important thing is not to compromise when you’re determined to practice right livelihood.