From Steve Allison-Bunnell of Joining Rivers Sangha:

When we chant our closing Sharing the Merit, how often do we truly dedicate ourselves to the “benefit of all beings?” It’s easy for me to want to benefit my immediate friends and loved ones—that’s what nurtures our connection. It’s inspiring to want to benefit an endangered species or even an entire ecosystem—that is an embodiment of Interbeing. And it’s noble to want to benefit those we see as less fortunate—that is the essence of generosity. Then there are the people we disagree with, perhaps profoundly, about the shape of our society—our instinct is to not want to help them. But “all beings” really does mean seeking to relieve the suffering of all beings, perhaps especially those whose suffering can ripple out to harm us. How can you see their suffering as something that harms them as well? What can you imagine doing to help them? Where do you find refuge to make this even plausible?

This Dharma Thought on Bossiness is offered by Steve Allison-Bunnell with the Joining Rivers Sangha.
I am in recovery from a life-long tendency toward bossiness. Being able to clearly see how things could be quickly becomes a burning desire for how things should be. And from that, telling others how they must do their work inevitably follows. I’ve talked before about the wonderful experience of deep, focused awareness while working on a recycled building materials project at Home ReSource’s annual Spontaneous Construction event in Missoula. But the trap waiting for me has always been the compulsion to micro-manage the rest of my team/family. This year, I had the added joy of watching them work with their own focus and great skill, and to use my mindfulness to pause and simply enjoy what they were doing. It was so refreshing to feel free from bossiness! And that energy helped us all to be satisfied with what we built. Where do you feel yourself being bossy instead of collaborative? What do you do to have confidence in others?

This Dharma Thought is offered by Steve Allison-Bunnell of the Joining Rivers Sangha which meets Mondays at 7PM.

A deluge of misinformation, along with heroic attempts to debunk it, constantly sweeps over us. It may feel like “alternative facts” have reached an all-time high, aided by AI and social media. But when we return to the teachings of the Buddha, we are reminded that self-serving misinformation from those with power, be they religious or political figures, is nothing new. He repeatedly reminds his students not to solely take his word for how to attain liberation from suffering. He also keeps the focus on looking deeply into the causes of our own delusion and confusion before judging others. The question, “Is it true?” is best first applied to our own interpretations of our perceptions. To answer it necessarily means stopping to short-circuit our scripted responses and triggers and softening our inner critic. Where do you make space for examining your assumptions? How do you give yourself the grace to re-see something you thought was true? What happens when you do?

This Dharma Thought on “Metta Like You Mean It” is offered by Steve Allison-Bunnell of the Joining Rivers Sangha which meets Mondays at 7PM.

A former President and current candidate nearly assassinated; questions about the future of the sitting President’s candidacy; relentless death and destruction in Gaza, Ukraine, and elsewhere — never has the world, never have our leaders, and never have we needed more to cultivate and amplify lovingkindness toward one another. One source translates the Pali word “metta” as “active interest in others.” I like how that phrasing emphasizes the fullness and commitment involved in practicing it. It goes beyond casual “friendliness” to soften blame and anger in order to genuinely wish happiness for all beings, starting with their safety and basic well-being. Practicing Metta emphatically extends that wish both to those we already care for and those we dislike. What happens when you direct lovingkindness to someone you judge or even hate? If you don’t think you can go that far, might you still try? How is it different to practice in this moment?