New Chan Forum 25

Contexts

Often we find ourselves pondering the seriousness of this world crisis. News bulletins flash from one event to another. Dimly we are aware of patterns. In a Dharma perspective these events are the consequences of inattention, mindless self-indulgence, personally, collectively, politically, economically. We fail to see them coming because we fail to see the contexts of stupidity and ignorance within which we live.

A little insight into context would tells us why so many Arabs hate America. A little reflection would show us why arming those given to hate will cause disaster. Attempts at understanding will show how the economically neglected may in their poverty turn to violence. And today the means for terrible revenge are readily to hand. Take over two airliners and commit suicide. No amount of missile defence could have stopped that. Where's the awareness of context here?

What can Buddhists do? At least we can encourage reflection. Understand cause leading to consequence under the influence of conditions. The conditioning of the world through co-dependent arising is all about us as the Buddha pointed out.

This issue is therefore devoted to CONTEXT in several areas of our concern where more mindful reflection could make a difference. We are not talking of sitting - this concerns everyday Zen. Do you practice that?