12 April 2017
Rep. Dana
Rohrabacher,
101 Main
Street #380
Huntington
Beach, CA 92648
Dear
Congressman,
Re: Metta
One thing
I have not mentioned to you in previous correspondence: I have a daily
meditation practice. I call myself an “aspiring Buddhist” because I am not
quite there yet, with religion. The son of an Anglican vicar, I was brought up
in that tradition, but have not embraced it since childhood. In Buddhism, I
have found a practice that seems to me more humane than any other religion, and
a wisdom that applies broadly to a life well-lived.
I say
this, in the first place, in order to let you know that compassion and goodwill
for all living beings are a part not only of my belief system but also of the
practice of my life. It is the seeming absence of these qualities that most
offends me in the policies put forward by Republicans today—whether in health
care, social services and education, in immigration, or tax policies that
increasingly favor the rich; or in foreign policies that seek to cut funds for
the poor, the hungry, the sick and the victims of violence world-wide. You may
call me a “bleeding heart liberal,” I suppose, for that is what I am. My heart
bleeds for all those who are suffering in this world, and there are far too
many of them.
I say it,
secondly, to let you know about the practice of “metta,” in which those who
meditate, like myself, send out wishes of goodwill and compassion to family and
friends and, in ever-widening circles, to all living beings. I am particularly
careful to include those whom I dislike and those, like yourself, with whom I
disagree. There is too much hatred, too much easy dismissal of the other in
this world. It’s my belief that it would be a much better place if we could all
share in the joy and blessings of being alive. Despite all our disagreements,
then, you personally are included every day—as is the president* I try hard not
to despise—in my daily morning practice.
It is
Easter time for Christians, Passover for Jews. A good time to send you this
message of goodwill and hope. May we all find true compassion in our hearts.
Respectfully,
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