If a man sitting were asked to leave he may or may not choose to leave this spot of abiding.  If he is finding refuge and peace in this posture he may choose to stay in this posture for the benefit of mankind, for who could argue with abiding in a state of Ahimsa, without the possibility of harming another, especially in this dignified yet humble position. His eyes are closed so as to reflect deeply into states that bring about an increasing skillfulness, that are based in understanding.  His eyes are closed so as to reflect and understand states that may cause harm to himself and others so as to learn to abandon them.  Naturally a man sitting would be quite content to stay seated even if requested to leave.  

 

And if he were to stay, would this bring about harm to anyone or anything?  Does a man sitting in silent reflection, sitting in ‘presence’ have any harm to offer to the world?  What would happen if he were to stay right there, unmoving, in peace, in the stillness of mind, and in the acceptance that embraces the entire world.  Indeed, what would happen if he were to continue sitting?

 

There are laws in this world, and in this country.  There are natural laws that take care of themselves, laws that we can do nothing to manipulate or change.  No matter what we think or believe they continue to function, as they always have, as they always will.  They say that love is a universal law, we should take the time to look deeply so as to see the truth of this statement.

In this county there are also laws.  How have they come about?  Who has formulated them and for what purpose?  How have they undergone the manipulation by man in his pursuit of justice and equality?  How do these laws appear to us today and what are they in defense of.   Who are they protecting?  Are they protecting our basic freedom, our basic rights?  My father is a Vietnam Veteran.  What did he go to a foreign country and risk his life to defend?  What did those that died, die to defend?  What are those that are dying, right at this moment, defending?  Our basic rights?  What are these basic rights?

 

Two of my spiritual brothers were arrested the other day.  They are two of the most beautiful people I have seen and had the opportunity to interact with.  They were simply sitting down.  How do we define progress?  How much money is it worth to lose the freedom to sit down?  Is there any more basic and essential right of man, and human kind?

 

In sincerity may you be ever well,

 

-BhikshuSamata