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The Koan of All-Acceptance [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-04-13
One of the first things that Rev. Master Jiyu Kennett taught me in Japan was not to expect much in the beginning, and later on, not to expect anything. This is in line with all of Buddhist teaching, starting with non-attachment as the cure for suffering. Throughout human history this has meant accepting war, famine, oppression, dread diseases, and death in every other form, while we follow the path of compassion toward every sentient being, and of doing right regardless of others around us.
In our time, astonishingly, the hope has arisen of ending war, poverty, oppression, numerous dread diseases, and much more—but we still will die of something, and there will still be many who wish us all ill. There are many fewer wars than before, but they are every bit as stupid and nasty as ever.
Now, when we say not to expect anything, that works both ways. Don’t expect the evils of the world to vanish away, but also do not expect them to continue as they once were. Hans Rosling has taught us that things are much better than most of us know, and Our World in Data continues to dig out more and more information in support of that message. But we can’t simply expect more of the same. Much will continue to go wrong.
What, then, do we do? As always, we begin by getting over ourselves. No expectations means no ill-will, obviously, and no thought of putting down others. No complacency, as though everything is automatically going to be fine. There is much to do, and we are the ones who have to decide to do it. No self-flagellation. No whinging. Take each step on the Noble Eightfold Path seriously. Take the opportunities that present themselves, and trust that many others will do so with other opportunities. But don’t expect or demand it.
And don't expect those bound and determined to do evil to get over themselves in any great numbers. Yes, a few will see the light from time to time. A few will realize they made a mistake. But those full of self, especially those who consider that karma doesn’t apply to them, have the worst kind of karma, and the least likelihood of repenting of it.
All wrong actions, behavior, and karma, perpetrated by me from time immemorial, have been, and are, caused by greed, anger and delusion which have no beginning, born of my body, mouth and will; I now make full and open confession thereof.
Soto Zen Sange verse
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