Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
- clearstreamzendo
- Nov 11, 2024
- 2 min read
This weeks’ topic for reflection is Christs' expression “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” How would our world be different if we all lived by this simple phrase? Here’s another one. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Just kindness, thoughtfulness and curiosity. Lending a helping hand wherever needed. No harmful killing, destruction and selfishness.
In this time of polarization and distrust toward each other we seem to be growing further apart and more rigid in our positions. This is a view that the way to be successful is to dominate, control and be separate. I see fear and anger as a possible source feeding this. Also a fear of loss. The truth is we don’t actually own anything. Everything is temporary on loan. Everything. If we let go of our tight grip we lose control. We pay a heavy price for living this way.
Do you love nature as you love yourself? The natural world is more than our neighbor. Nature is an integral part of us in every way. Our bodies are a part of and completely dependent on nature to give us everything we need to live. As I look around me, everything I see is not separate from me and I am not separate from it. Only a mistaken belief creates this sense of separation. No-separation is what Christ calls love your neighbor as you love yourself. There is actually no subject and no object. Everything is me. As Maezumi Roshi said, “Without you, my life doesn’t exist.” Love your neighbor as you love yourself is a radical ethic, and an expression of truth. We (everything), are truly all in this together.
We are also all different. Christ did not say you are no different from your neighbor. We are also free to see how things are, make choices and act. Free to think things through. It is also important to notice when our thoughts are self centered and transactional. Our choices make a difference.
How do see your relationship to the people and world around you? We all contribute something and it makes a difference. For example a simple smile can make a huge difference. How comfortable are you with the request, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”?
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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