Buddhist Action Month
June 2022: Compassion and Connections in Times of Crisis
This year has brought yet more crises to challenge us: the war in Ukraine, the cost of living, the omicron variant in the coronavirus pandemic, all on top of the background of the ever worsening climate crisis.
How should we respond as Buddhists? In the Chan/Zen Buddhist tradition this exchange has been handed down: A monk once asked the ancient Chinese Zen master Yunmen, “What is the teaching of the whole lifetime of Buddha?” Yunmen replied, “An appropriate response.”
This sounds simple, but it can be difficult to know what an appropriate response is in these turbulent and complex times. Taking part in Buddhist Action Month is an opportunity to engage in action, with compassion and connection at its heart, to help ourselves and others through these times of crisis.
Many of our lives have been adversely affected by Covid and by the associated economic and social changes it has brought. Restrictions are now easing and this may bring opportunities for us to reconnect. Connecting with each other, in our sanghas of Buddhist practitioners and beyond, is one of the jewels of Buddhism and key to our well-being.
Other ways of caring for ourselves include: keeping active, learning new things, giving to others and mindful awareness. Please find attached the leaflet “Five Ways to Good Mental Wellbeing and Buddhism” which can be freely shared.
BAM is about action: June might be a chance to kickstart a mid-year resolution! Let us know what you’re doing…it could be small or large, increasing your personal practice and encouraging others could be the start of a new wave of positive change rippling out into the world.
You are invited to join 2 events with David Loy, full details will be posted separately
Friday, 3 June 19.00 – 20.30pm in-person and on zoom
What Does the Ecological Crisis Mean for Buddhism?
Saturday, 4 June 11.00 – 17.00 GMT
The Bodhisattva/Ecosattva Path Today
For more information and ideas of how to participate go to the Network of Buddhist Organization's Website
The SFBC will be discussing what we can each do in June on Wednesday Sangha Nights.