The return to American shores in 2020, coinciding with a pivotal Election Day, presented a stark juxtaposition for one observer recently returned from Thailand. While the outward appearances of everyday life – the presence of loving people engaged in beautiful acts – remained largely unchanged, an underlying current of agitation permeated the national psyche. This internal disquiet, fueled by the relentless barrage of news cycles and headlines, appeared to overshadow the tangible realities of individual well-being, a phenomenon likened to an ancient temptation luring people away from their present abundance. This sentiment, articulated by a former expatriate, offers a unique lens through which to examine the pervasive influence of media and political discourse on individual and societal mental states.
The Doctrine of Appropriate Attention: A Foundation for Mindfulness
At the heart of this observation lies a core Buddhist concept: yoniso manasikara, often translated as "appropriate attention" or "wise attention." This principle, fundamental to Buddhist philosophy, posits that the quality of our attention dictates the nature of our mental and emotional states. Yoni signifies origin or womb, and manasikara refers to the active engagement of the mind. Together, they suggest that attention is the very source from which all thoughts, feelings, and actions arise. The Buddha Himself likened appropriate attention to the dawn preceding the sun; it is the essential precursor to the cultivation of wholesome states of mind and the adherence to the Noble Eightfold Path.
This concept is more than mere philosophical musing; it is a sankhara, a mental formation or program that energizes and shapes our perception of reality. The implications are profound, particularly when viewed through the lens of modern societal discourse, echoing the sentiment attributed to philosopher G.W.F. Hegel and popularized by Slavoj Žižek: "Evil lies in the gaze that sees evil all around it." This suggests that our predisposition to perceive negativity can, in itself, perpetuate it.
The Sangha as a Refuge: Cultivating Non-Partisan Space
The challenges of navigating highly polarized environments are not new. A poignant anecdote illustrates this by describing a practitioner who, when political conversations became overwhelming during a family visit, chose to lie down with the family dog. This act, seemingly simple, represents a conscious withdrawal from a divisive discourse, seeking solace in a neutral space.
This impulse to create space free from political entanglement is a vital function within Buddhist communities, particularly the sangha, the monastic community. In Thailand, the sangha serves as a sanctuary where individuals can shed their political identities and simply exist as practitioners, seeking refuge and spiritual solace. This non-partisan stance is crucial for the longevity and inclusivity of such institutions. A sangha aligned with a specific political party risks alienating half of society and faces potential dissolution should opposing political forces gain dominance. The principle is clear: the teachings of the Buddha, the dhamma, are meant for all, regardless of political affiliation. By providing a neutral ground for human connection and shared experience, such communities can foster resolution and understanding.
Dolly Parton: An Unlikely Icon of Unity
In the American context, the article posits an unlikely figure as embodying this principle of inclusive refuge: Dolly Parton. The enduring appeal of the country music icon is attributed to her ability to unite diverse groups, from truckers to drag queens, fostering a sense of solidarity. Her carefully guarded political neutrality is presented as a key factor in her broad appeal, offering a rare example of a unifying cultural force in a fragmented nation. This suggests that shared cultural touchstones, devoid of overt political messaging, can play a significant role in bridging societal divides.
Navigating the "Culture Wars": A Higher-Order Narrative
The author acknowledges the undeniable role of political discourse and action in societal progress. However, for practitioners of spiritual paths, there exists a "higher-order narrative" and purpose that transcends the immediate political debates. This ancient wisdom, some 2,500 years old, offers a profound psychological framework that has, for many, provided meaning and even salvation. The rarity of access to such profound teachings imbues practitioners with a unique responsibility.
When faced with the option of engaging in the usual contentious debates or offering a different perspective, the choice becomes critical. The author suggests that in certain moments, setting aside the immediate argumentative impulse and acting as a conduit for something more essential – a spiritual path, a sense of refuge, right view, or a canopy of meaning – can be far more impactful. This requires careful consideration of when and how to engage, prioritizing the potential to offer solace and a broader perspective over the immediate need to "win" an argument. The example of lying down with the dog illustrates this: sometimes, patience and strategic withdrawal are the most skillful responses.
Echoes of Resilience: The Dalai Lama and the Sangha’s Endurance
The gravity of this "higher-order narrative" is underscored by reflecting on historical figures who have embodied these teachings. The resilience of the Dalai Lama’s disciples, even under extreme duress, exemplifies the profound impact of compassion. One disciple, enduring 33 years of torture in Chinese prison, reported that his greatest fear was losing compassion for his tormentors, a fear he ultimately did not succumb to. Similarly, monks and nuns during the Maoist revolution, facing beatings and pressure to disrobe, found strength in repeatedly chanting the name of their bodhisattva, demonstrating the enduring power of spiritual conviction.
These instances highlight how the institution of the sangha, and the teachings it preserves, have outlasted empires. The "thin silver thread" of these profound insights, originating from the Buddha’s "supernova of insight," has rippled through history, offering a persistent source of wisdom and resilience.
Re-evaluating "Staying Informed" in the Digital Age
In the contemporary world, characterized by smartphones, constant updates, and ubiquitous news feeds, the concept of "staying informed" warrants critical re-examination, especially for those on a spiritual path. Ajahn Sona’s suggestion to focus on "local news" – what is six feet away –, while perhaps extreme, prompts a valuable question: how much information is truly necessary to remain informed? The author suggests that with intentional practice, and perhaps reliance on a few trusted conversations, one can glean sufficient information without succumbing to the overwhelming influx of daily news. This deliberate filtering of information is presented not as ignorance, but as a conscious act of self-preservation and a commitment to one’s spiritual practice.
The Practitioner’s Duty: Embodiment and Integrity
As practitioners, there is a responsibility to embody the path with integrity, to represent it authentically. In moments of need, an individual practitioner might be the sole conduit to a deeper perspective for someone else. The process of spiritual practice is likened to scraping away a hardened crust from the heart, a process that can initially lead to a period of rawness and vulnerability. During this phase, it is permissible and even necessary to step back from overwhelming stimuli, including the news, to protect the nascent cultivation of the heart. This is not an abdication of responsibility, but a prioritization of self-care and the strengthening of one’s spiritual foundation. Unsubscribing from constant news feeds, if necessary, is framed as a legitimate protective measure, allowing space for deeper reflection and a more considered approach to engagement.
Tools for Navigating Conflict: The Vinaya and Right Speech
The Buddhist monastic code, the vinaya, offers a set of conditions that must be met before admonishing another monk. These include having a mind of loving-kindness, speaking at an appropriate time, speaking truthfully, speaking what is relevant to the matter at hand, and seeking and receiving permission. The meticulous adherence to these five conditions creates a "beautiful wall" around communication, ensuring that any admonishment is delivered with clarity and compassion, free from the corrosive influence of anger.
This principle extends to all interactions. Before engaging with a source of stress, individuals are encouraged to assess whether these conditions can be met. The slightest hint of anger can derail any constructive communication. Often, "right speech" can be embodied in listening. Genuine curiosity about another’s perspective, rather than a pre-determined agenda, can be profoundly touching and is a pure form of loving-kindness. When individuals feel truly seen and heard, their desire for validation, often expressed through volume, can be addressed.
The Four Noble Truths: Understanding Suffering and Motivation
The Four Noble Truths – comprehending suffering, its cause (craving), its cessation (peace), and the path to that peace – provide a framework for understanding both personal actions and the motivations of others. Our actions often stem from unacknowledged pain, a concept echoed by Carl Jung’s assertion that "When an inner situation is not made conscious, it happens outside, as fate." Recognizing the vulnerability behind one’s own reactions, or the suffering driving another’s perspective, is crucial.
In political discourse, for instance, understanding that a powerful movement might be born from communities experiencing profound disruption and a desire for control can foster empathy. Tracing these impulses back to a shared human wound allows for a more compassionate engagement, prioritizing listening and kindness over immediate judgment.
Finding Common Ground: Faith and Shared Values
Personal anecdotes highlight the possibility of finding connection even amidst significant differences. A monk visiting relatives with a spectrum of political views found common ground in their deep Christian faith. This suggests that focusing on shared values, rather than divergent opinions, can be a more effective strategy for meaningful dialogue. The very difficulty of current conversational landscapes, the author notes, can be a "strange blessing," forcing a focus on what truly matters and steering clear of unproductive arguments.
Compassion’s Shadow and the Cultivation of Non-Aversion
The presence of "compassion with a shadow" is identified, where pity for a news event quickly devolves into judgment of "those people." The ability to gently refrain from feeding this judgmental tendency and instead point towards compassion, exploring the underlying suffering of all involved, is key. This involves tracing back to the shared human experience and the transcendent narratives that bind us.
This practice directly relates to controlling anger and cultivating loving-kindness. The grip of political narratives is often amplified by our propensity for anger, an emotion frequently left unacknowledged. While cultivating metta (loving-kindness) in meditation is valuable, the Buddha’s teachings on right intention emphasize renunciation, non-ill will (avyapada), and non-harming (ahimsa). These directly address the need to release aversion, which can subtly permeate our lives. Mindfulness, therefore, serves not only to protect morality but also to actively prevent dwelling in ill will.
Managing Anger: Suppression vs. Repression and a Toolkit for Softening
It is crucial to distinguish between healthy assertion and unhealthy repression or suppression of anger. Repression is denying anger ("I’m not angry"), while skillful suppression involves acknowledging the anger, stepping away to process it, and then responding from a place of kindness. This acknowledges anger as a signal, not an action guide.
A comprehensive toolkit exists for softening anger. Ajahn Sona’s advice to "spread loving-kindness to their chair" if direct application is too difficult illustrates the adaptable nature of these practices. The Buddha offered a graduated approach to dealing with aversion towards another:
- Loving-kindness (metta): Attempt to cultivate good wishes.
- Compassion (karuna): If metta fails, try to feel empathy for their suffering.
- Equanimity: If compassion is difficult, strive for a balanced, neutral stance.
- Reflection on Kamma: Consider that their actions are subject to their own karmic consequences.
- Mental Non-Engagement: If all else fails, the Buddha suggested not bringing the person to mind.
This last point challenges the American inclination to confront and resolve every issue, offering the radical notion of strategic disengagement. This can involve literally setting aside thoughts of difficult individuals or political figures, deferring engagement until a more skillful state of mind can be achieved.
The Pain of Anger and the Attraction of Self-Righteousness
A powerful method for cultivating loving-kindness and dispelling anger involves acknowledging the personal pain of being angry. Instead of directing metta outward, one can direct it inward, recognizing the suffering that anger inflicts. Self-righteous anger, though appealing with its "honeyed tip," has a "poisoned root." Understanding its attraction, its drawbacks, and the path to escape is crucial for letting go.
Teachers in Disguise: Embracing Difficult Encounters
Difficult individuals who trigger our anger can be viewed as teachers. In the Mahayana tradition, bodhisattvas are believed to manifest challenging situations to foster growth. Embracing those who hold opposing views not as obstacles but as opportunities to develop loving-kindness and patience can transform our spiritual journey. Taking such individuals as teachers, perhaps even bowing in their direction, can be a profound practice. One monk’s experience of a challenging fellow monk as a refining influence highlights the transformative potential of reframing difficult relationships.
The Duty of Embodying a Higher Narrative
When individuals engage in heated discussions, the practice is to seek out the "first noble truth" for them – to understand their underlying struggles and what is meaningful to them. This involves asking questions, pulling back from expressing personal opinions, and assuming that others have ample opportunity to voice their views. The practitioner’s role may be to offer something different, something more profound. This commitment to embodying a higher narrative, a tradition spanning 2,500 years, is not merely a gift but a solemn duty.
The Ripped Canopies of Meaning: Ideology as Crippled Religion
The widespread "culture wars" are seen as a symptom of societal "canopies of meaning" being torn apart. In the absence of a spiritual framework, individuals project meaning onto inadequate ideologies, which function as "crippled religions" offering superficial cohesion and purpose. By offering a deeper, spiritual narrative, practitioners address the root cause of this societal imbalance. A spiritual path inoculates individuals against the excesses of culture, offering connection and resolution. This is the true promise of the path, exemplified by the enduring spirit of figures like Dolly Parton.
