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IMAGE: Pizzaonius addressing novitate monks on the need for small acts of kindness. All images from the Pizzaonian Art Institute collection, Abe Staction,curator
The most difficult part of the era we live in is to accept the fact that events have a life of their own and will play themselves out with little help from us. This may sound pessimistic to most, but this has been the way of events since we began our human journey on this mortal coil.
Human frailty and egos being what they are, we have a need to believe we can make a difference. If this makes life easier for you - continue to believe it, but always be aware this may well be an illusion.
If we have no effect on the big issues, what do we affect? For one, we can make positive changes to ourselves. Working on ourselves and changing for the better is something most of us take for granted. We usually presume in our insulated ego existences that someone else causes our problems. This is our folly when we do so.
The big issues play themselves out. Even the players in the big arena have little effect on outcomes. The redeeming feature in our American system is the system itself. It survives by allowing the powers to be to continue to exist, regardless of their own folly. Eventually, even if by default, this means creating an economy that allows all to live well.
This is not altruistic. Spreading the wealth allows the top to survive. When economic and political events become bad enough the process of renewal begins. It is the cycle of our economic, political and spiritual existence. It works repeatedly and has from the beginning.
What then can you do? For one, weed your own garden. Most of the good in this world is the combined small acts of good that create their own karma. This may not sound like much, but it is all you have.
So when you despair of the larger events of this world, do some small good around you. It does not have to be a big deal. Any small act of kindness will do. Then let go and enjoy the moment. You might be surprised at the result.
Brother Franco
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