Compassion in Action

Peak Yellow, © 2021 Rami Schandall. From series of extreme close-up photographs of spring flowers, overexposed.

Happy Beltane, at Spring's peak! Celebrated on May 1, the astrological midpoint between Spring and Summer is in fact on May 4—which happens to be Tuesday, perfectly in time with Spring Sangha. All our welcome. (In the southern hemisphere, Happy Samhain!)

I am grateful for the meditation practice that helps steady me as I embrace compassion in action. The situation unfolding in India at this time is horrific and heartbreaking. While the pandemic rages and people suffer acutely, can we maintain equanimity — to remain present, compassionate, centered? My strategy to maintain this steadiness, to not become lost in horror or heartbreak, is to observe, think critically, and to act. To be informed —and judicious about the forums I engage in. This is hard work on all levels (and outcomes are imperfect) particularly when facing the enraging legacies of exploitation and injustice, whether we call that colonialism or post-colonialism or white supremacist delusion, or plain old capitalism, where health is commodified and political gamesmanship trumps life.

I am grateful to the lineages of philosophy and practice, of yoga and Buddhism, rooted in India. I honour the traditions I study and teach within, and the many people I love who have direct connections to this complex place of elaborate and exquisite diversity.

There are three threads of activism I am engaged with in response to this crisis.

Learning: This crowdsourced list of donations for Indian COVID aid— “intended for anyone looking to support local efforts/non-profits & Independent Media using international credit cards.” The list is long and updated regularly. If you have the means to contribute, please follow your ethics and your heart. Please share widely.

Choosing / Acting: I choose these two organizations to support — Goonj.org, which has a longstanding presence in India and a focus on neglected communities, and Mission Oxygen for immediate support for hospitals facing oxygen shortages.

Steadiness / Expansion: The world desperately needs vaccines for all, regardless of status, income, or geography. This is very much a question of political will. Read Oxfam's list of five clear steps needed for a people's vaccine. Beyond the pandemic, many of these organizations do ongoing work that also needs our attention.

Wishing you ease and grace within this dynamic and stormy time. Like the season, there is turmoil and beauty, both.