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?
