I wondered recently if it would be spiritually congruent to convert to Islam simply to coerce people to be more tolerant (and was gently reminded that coercion is not an authentic spiritual practice). But distribution of inflammatory emails which are not grounded in facts or personal experience makes me crazy with anger and frustration, even as I recognize the irony of sitting in judgment of another’s judgment. I felt like a remedial learner, trapped in that disagreeable lesson from the Buddha in my last module: “Do not give your attention to what others do or fail to do; give it to what you do or fail to do.” (Dhammapada: 50)
I was hoping the Prophet (pbuh) might suggest a more palatable approach to the problem than the Buddha, but clues came first from unexpected sources. Someone posted a comment last week on a Youtube video I had created for the Nine Gates Youth Mystery school, alleging that secrecy implied deceit and that Scientology looked transparent and honest by comparison. Offended, my knee-jerk reaction was a desire to make him wrong… but after a few deep breaths I was able to allow him this (flawed) opinion. Nine Gates’ Executive Director had a different idea: “What a great opportunity to connect with our audience. Why don’t you draft something?” I was sure she wanted something inspired that didn’t include the word “knucklehead.” But I was stumped.
Focusing instead on a more enjoyable exchange with a seeker who wondered whether Nine Gates was compatible with his Rosicrucian studies, I was struck by a sudden insight: why should a response to an earnest seeker be drastically different than a response to a critic? Was it possible that the doorway into either conversation need not change, despite the audience? Perhaps my job is simply to shine a steady light that allows others the freedom to engage and explore…or choose not to. With this change in perspective I was able to respond to the concern of our heckler from a place of authentic sharing instead of antagonism.
More clues came from a recent 20/20 special on Islam, when Diane Sawyer asked: “Why are the 3 million American Muslims not speaking out more against terrorism?” Here was a broader reflection of my own dilemma, with much higher stakes: should they defend or counter…stay silent…invite dialogue? Some responded that the terrorists were their enemy too, and that they resented being asked to apologize for something that did not represent their beliefs. Others feared suspicion and retaliation from their own neighbors, or were baffled by the question, as Islam represents a way of living – and how does one justify or easily explain living a compassionate and good life… or should one even have to?
While I believe we need champions of peace, these concerns are real and valid, and I can respect an individual’s choice to speak through being rather than doing. The Qur’an offers support as well: “The true servants of the All-Merciful are those who walk the earth in humility, and when the vicious address them their only word is: ‘Peace’!” (Surah 25:63)
The way through the challenges we face with our Muslim brothers and sisters is not clear or easy. Surah 6:104 reminds us: “Proofs conspicuous have come to you from your Lord; who discerns them, this will be to his soul’s credit, but whoso is blind, that will be to his soul’s loss. I am not your keeper.” Like the Buddha, the Prophet (pbuh) insists that we look into the mirror for our solutions. It is our own reflection of peace, acceptance and tolerance that will pave the way for the changes we long to see in others. Inshallah.
Sermon delivered 10/24/10
