This week’s topic for reflection is diversity, equity and inclusion. My intention is to introduce this topic not from a political point of view but from a Buddhist and personal point of view.
Let’s start with diversity. A few weeks ago the topic for reflection was differences. Please look again at all the differences. Everything is unique and it’s always changing into something different. Nothing is separate and it exists only in relationship to everything else and is effected by and dependent upon everything else. To recognize and own this truth is very important. To deny and resist this truth is very problematic and causes a lot of suffering. Diversity is simply seeing a sea of differences together. In Buddhism we call diversity the relative which is all phenomena.
Equity is pure, selfless being. It’s quality is like empty, spacious sky without inside or outside. This timeless openness receives without aversion and releases all things without clinging. In Buddhism we call equity the absolute which is not conditioned by thinking like the relative can be.
Inclusion is the truth that diversity and equity are not two separate things. They function seamlessly together. When you open your eyes you don’t see your own face. What you see is your true face. That is, who you truly are. Everything functioning together seamlessly. No individual stands alone and independent. There is no place where you can draw a line and say inside here is me or mine and outside there is not me or mine. In Buddhism we call inclusion identity. Please substitute your name for identity.
What's important is how diversity, equity and inclusion show up in your life. Seeing people and situations that are very different can be disturbing or unsettling. Not in my neighborhood can be the expression used. Differences can also illicit curiosity without a desire to change or fix. Each of us are different about what we are comfortable with or not. It’s important to notice when we see we’re doing this and determine if it’s appropriate or not. Ask, “Am I projecting a fixed belief?”
Notice how open and spacious you are or are not. Try to just notice without being judgmental. Experiences of greed, anger or ignorance are signals to take a closer look. We practice being spacious and open in zazen. Just be still, open and present. See what you get and don’t attach to it. Everything comes on it’s own and leaves on it's own. This is the natural state of mind. We have to work at clinging and attachment, aversion and denial. Equity is being seamless without inside or outside and with nothing to grab on with.
Finally notice how well diversity and equity are integrated in your life. This is actually the easier, natural way to be. Inclusion is everything is included in my life or as my life. This does not imply having control. It does imply the freedom to participate, influence and be influenced with reasonable boundaries and ethics.
Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, in person zazen at the McNail Riley House Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion of the topic for reflection blog from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Gassho,
Futai
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