Chùa Bửu Môn - Buu Mon Buddhist Association

We have watched extraordinary things take place in America. One year ago would we be imagining this much change in the government? We have come full circle. I listened to the inauguration speech by President Barack Obama, and came away feeling good about being an American. The one true message that comes to the forefront after all the economic woes is that we need to adopt a sense of self responsibility.

Self responsibility is a concept long taught in Buddhism. We sit on the edge of our future and can complain on end of the faults taking place all around us, and not see our own. We are a people of complaint. It is of no use to complain without an offer of change or remedy.

Many years ago filled with the zest of youth I started out to save the world. Like many of us, we have bright ideals and a real need for change. I guess I never really lost that need, it just modified to a more manageable size. What I mean to say is the world will always be the world. It is our actions in the world that show our true nature as we respond to the entire phenomenon that is presented to us. It is the action of the self at any given moment that shows the true character of a person.

We may improve our character through acts of kindness and charity, and by learning who we are. Self knowledge is a powerful tool. Sitting quietly we can learn about ourselves. Self knowledge is wisdom. Wisdom is the seed of enlightenment.

Buddhist principles of right intention and thought, right speech and right action are the guide post we need to employ on our chosen path. Now is the time to reinforce what is good in our lives and jettison that which is not.

Our nature is intermingled with our karma. It is the cause and effect spoken so much about in Buddhism. We respond and interact with others and life situations that have long lasting repercussions throughout our lifetime.

A small action will have a ripple effect to reach people and lands far from us. If we develop a true level of responsibility our actions will be supported by the mindset we engage for ourselves. As the times change around us we must respond with that change. As events come into our lives we must learn to deal with these events.

We must develop a sense of Buddhist economy in our dealings with others. What is good for us and others is good for all. When events present themselves that make life harder, it is not enough to complain. Seek out a solution. Do something good. Make this world a better place for you having been here.

What we are talking about is commitment to change, a commitment to goodness. In this New Year season, we must recommit ourselves to the ideals that foster well being among all peoples. We start with ourselves, and our families. Some of the hardest times we face are from those we love the most.

We must continue to care about them. We must give them the space to care for themselves. There is such a great lesson in learning the difference between caring about and caring for.

In this New Year season for the US, let us recommit ourselves to a life filled with compassion for ourselves and others. Let us believe in the goodness we know we have, as well as the goodness of others.

Let us work together to secure a foundation of respect and caring for all peoples, and pray our government does the same.