“LOCK HIM UP!”

A reflection on my personal reactions to the horrific insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, and how as Shin Buddhists, we can try to respond to the relentless images of violence and destruction. From a Buddhist perspective, there are no “winners” or “losers”, no “good” or “evil”, no “right” and “wrong”, just us, ordinary human beings trying to understand the Truth of Impermanence and cope with relentless change. As Shin Buddhists, all we can do is try to respond in gratitude, to respond to hate with love, empowered by the Faith of Shinjin, the Great Compassion and Great Love of Amida that assures us of Birth in the Pure Land. Recorded live on January 10, 2021 at Makawao Hongwanji.