Occupy London - St Pauls Interfaith and Meditation Tent

Yesterday after seeing the Hugging mother - Amma - see my previous blog. I went to St Pauls Cathedral to see the Occupy London scene. I found a interfaith and Meditation tent and sat there for a hour in front of Buddha with a cross in its lap. I had been given some food when I was at Amma's and there was a notice they need some food so I shared what food I had with them.

It was a strange scene, as I closed the door of the tent, and bowed to the Buddha and started to sit, I could have been anywhere. I sat there in the cold with my hat and thermal jacket on. Noticing the noises coming and going, people making comments about the tents, laughs, restlessness. The time went fast and my mind was suprising quiet, my mind reflected on the day, words,images floated by and thought how strange. I unzipped the tent walked around the site, looked at all the tents, the recycling bins, the toilets, the library, the first aid tent and thought how quickly we can establish community. 

In front of the St.Pauls cameras, video cameras discussion taking place between what seemed like different class of youths. The post around the square had message of love, of politics and religion. I do think its time for change, the Buddha laid out ten rules to be a wise king and I think they are useful for anybody in power or leadership.

http://www.lankalibrary.com/Bud/dasa-raja-dhamma.htm

1. Dana: liberality, generosity or charity. The giving away of alms to the needy. It is the duty of the king (government) to look after the welfare of his needy subjects. The ideal ruler should give away wealth and property wisely without giving in-to craving and attachment. In other words he should not try to be rich making use of his position.

2. Sila: morality - a high moral character. He must observe at least the Five Precepts, and conduct himself both in private and in public life as to be a shining example to his subjects. This virtue is very important, because, if the ruler adheres to it, strictly, then bribery and corruption, violence and indiscipline would be automatically wiped out in the country.

3. Comfort Pariccaga: Making sacrifices if they are for the good of the people - personal name and fame; even the life if need be. By the grant of gifts etc. the ruler spurs the subjects on to more efficient and more loyal service.

4. Ajjava: Honesty and integrity. He must be absolutely straightforward and must never take recourse to any crooked or doubtful means to achieve his ends. He must be free from fear or favour in the discharge of his duties. At this point, a stanza from ‘Sigalovada Sutta. (Digha-Nikaya), a relevant declaration by the Buddha comes to my mind:

"Canda, dose, bhaya, moha - Yo dhammam nativattati. Apurati tassa yaso - Sukkha pakkheva candima")

Meaning: If a person maintains justice without being subjected to favoritism, hatred, fear or ignorance, his popularity grows like the waxing moon.

5. Maddava: Kindness or gentleness. A ruler’s uprightness may sometimes require firmness. But this should be tempered with kindness and gentleness. In other words a ruler should not be over - harsh or cruel.

6. Tapa: Restraint of senses and austerity in habits. Shunning indulgence in sensual pleasures, an ideal monarch keeps his five senses under control. Some rulers may, using their position, flout moral conduct - this is not becoming of a good monarch.

7. Akkodha: Non-hatred. The ruler should bear no grudge against anybody. Without harbouring grievances he must act with forbearance and love. At this instance, I am reminded of how a certain royal pupil, an heir to the throne, who had been punished by the teacher for an offence, took revenge by punishing the teacher after he become King! (Jataka Text). Political victimization is also not conducive to proper administration.

8. Avihimsa: non-violence. Not only should he refrain from harming anybody but he should also try to promote peace and prevent war, when necessary. He must practice non-violence to the highest possible extent so long as it does not interfere with the firmness expected of an ideal ruler.

9. Khanti: Patience and tolerance. Without losing his temper, the ruler should be able to bear up hardships and insults. In any occasion he should be able to conduct himself without giving in-to emotions. He should be able to receive both bouquets and brickbats in the same spirit and with equanimity.

10. Avirodha: Non - opposition and non-enmity. The ruler should not oppose the will of the people. He must cultivate the spirit of amity among his subjects. In other words he should rule in harmony with his people.

I found also on the internet - An Open Letter from Buddhist and Yoga Teachers and Leaders in Support of the Occupy Movement - http://occupysamsara.org/

There have been quite a few flash mob meditation at St. Pauls and the Occupy a place has translated by some Buddhist as occupy the present moment. The core teaching of Buddha, to wake up to who you really are and as we do this we not only help ourselves but help others. As we become more clam, empathic, patient to ourselves we can then offer this to other people. Personally I dont have all the answers and I willing to listen to notice how I feel, and understand how conditions effect me. And though those very conditions, letting go of them, I can start to recognise the peace behind all of that.

you can find out more at http://occupylsx.org/