Symposium for Western Socially Engaged Buddhism - Day 2 Quotes of the Day

Submitted by Patrick Groneman on Tue, 8/10/2010, 8:08pm

Category:

"If we take the attitude that we can just practice loving kindness and everything will be okay we will lose this planet." - Bhikkhu Bodhi, addressing the question of practice and engagement, a few minutes after leading a loving kindness meditation.

"It is only out of Happiness that Socially Engaged Buddhism can Occur" - Robert Thurman during his keynote speech about maintaining happiness in difficult situations.

In discussing her work in creating the Haley House Kathe McKenna recited a beautiful statement made by Eugene Debs after he was convicted of violating the Sedition Acts in 1918 that summed up her take on Spirituality and Service Work:

"Your Honor, years ago I recognized my kinship with all living beings, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on earth. I said then, and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a criminal element I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free."

"It is important to establish a Buddhist Presence, we want people to understand there are 6 Million Buddhists in this country" - Steve Ruhl, in discussing his work with the Appalachian Zen House and working with Rural Communities to fight Poverty.

"The Best Way to form a community is to do something" - Jan Willis in her address about Buddhist Social Action and Non-Violence.

Vote for this article to appear in the Recommended list.