I'm grateful that you are both a writer and a practitioner of Taoist teachings, sharing the wisdom of the philosophy and its practical application. I hold, like a fragile egg, so as not to shatter, the teachings of Tantra. Yet, even with that foundation, I sometimes feel overwhelmed, angry, and disheartened. Thank you for sharing and for being who you are.
“And maybe it means we stop pretending that paperwork defines personhood. That borders define morality. That fear is a tool we can ethically use to build safety.” Exactly. Trying to be more like water now—but the kind that joins into a mighty stream to wash away injustice. But that doesn’t exactly measure up to the Taoist spirit, does it.
Without knowing any of the situation I cannot know how to react. I know I do not trust the authorities, nor do I trust the reporting. All sides express what they benefit from the situation, and no one seems to consider any other story than their own Truth is never known when no one can see other's situations. To whites all is white. To blacks all is black. To browns, all is brown. I have no reason to think anyone sees, or wants to see, anyone else's world.
I do too. But I sometimes wonder if I'm really able to. Some who come here come to damage and to destroy. What is my responsibility toward those who suffer because of my generosity? Is it really generosity to overlook lawbreaking? Someone somewhere didn't do their assigned duty in allowing nineteen Jihadists enter America AND train and equip themselves to crash those planes into the Trade Center towers. Were they generous and compassionate, or negligent?
Who knows the evil that lurks in the minds of men? If the shadow knows, is the shadow to be allowed to act? Do we just hope that it will be someone else who pays the price for our generosity and compassion? It's a much bigger problem than our petty concerns.
I am black but I see beyond my blackness and I feel deep compassion for any people who are suffering. But I get your point…if we focus on just our 4 and no more, and the chaos happening in our world, it can be hard to see what’s possible. So we do nothing…until we are forced.
Beautiful article--must have been painful to write.
One thing that popped into my mind was this data, showing that 46% of all Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children.
https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/news/fortune-500-2024-report-immigrant-entrepreneurs-create-jobs-across-united-states
This was really good. Thanks for sharing.
I'm grateful that you are both a writer and a practitioner of Taoist teachings, sharing the wisdom of the philosophy and its practical application. I hold, like a fragile egg, so as not to shatter, the teachings of Tantra. Yet, even with that foundation, I sometimes feel overwhelmed, angry, and disheartened. Thank you for sharing and for being who you are.
Thank you for speaking up.
“And maybe it means we stop pretending that paperwork defines personhood. That borders define morality. That fear is a tool we can ethically use to build safety.” Exactly. Trying to be more like water now—but the kind that joins into a mighty stream to wash away injustice. But that doesn’t exactly measure up to the Taoist spirit, does it.
Great insight. Thank you.
Beautiful and nuanced.
Without knowing any of the situation I cannot know how to react. I know I do not trust the authorities, nor do I trust the reporting. All sides express what they benefit from the situation, and no one seems to consider any other story than their own Truth is never known when no one can see other's situations. To whites all is white. To blacks all is black. To browns, all is brown. I have no reason to think anyone sees, or wants to see, anyone else's world.
I do. Passionately so.
I do too. But I sometimes wonder if I'm really able to. Some who come here come to damage and to destroy. What is my responsibility toward those who suffer because of my generosity? Is it really generosity to overlook lawbreaking? Someone somewhere didn't do their assigned duty in allowing nineteen Jihadists enter America AND train and equip themselves to crash those planes into the Trade Center towers. Were they generous and compassionate, or negligent?
Who knows the evil that lurks in the minds of men? If the shadow knows, is the shadow to be allowed to act? Do we just hope that it will be someone else who pays the price for our generosity and compassion? It's a much bigger problem than our petty concerns.
I am black but I see beyond my blackness and I feel deep compassion for any people who are suffering. But I get your point…if we focus on just our 4 and no more, and the chaos happening in our world, it can be hard to see what’s possible. So we do nothing…until we are forced.
Very well stated Leumas. I am looking forward to what sorts of further thoughts this piece will cultivate.
May they all find peace!
🙏