This week Tesshin remarked on a very interesting study published by Pew Research.  The study explored the relationship between participation in a religious congregation and overall wellbeing.  Roshi called out two interesting statistics from the study.  People engaged in religious groups joined other non-religious civic organizations at the rate of 58% vs 39% for non-congregants.  These groups could be social clubs, local charity groups, or sports leagues.  There also was a clear trend in voting patterns.  Religiously engaged individuals voted 69% of the time in national elections vs 48% for people not belonging to a congregation.  

 

Perhaps the type of person who would join a congregation would also join another organization thus implying that the religious organization itself really has no effect on wellbeing.  This may be the case, but Roshi had a different interpretation coming from the Buddhist tradition.  In our practice, Sangha (aka congregation) is one of the three great treasures of our tradition on the same level as Buddha (enlightenment) and Dharma (suchness of reality).  Looking at it this way, we see clearly the importance and benefit of a group of practitioners working together.  The group reinforces the practice – it acts like a “multiplier.” 

 

Roshi then asked if simply sitting in a group is enough.  There has been a lot of discussion around how Buddhism should become more “engaged” in the world.  Our vow is to save all beings.  We look at a world with so many challenges and our first thought is to try to fix everything right away.  Political activism seems like the best way forward.  Right?  However, we need to stop and think about our motivations.  What is activism?  Roshi advised that the first thing we should do is understand the “quality of our own practice.”  How clear is our mind?  Why are we focusing on a given issue?  Why are we picking a given action?  We must always be wary of our own ego delusion?  Are we better than the people we are looking to help?  Are we more virtuous than the people who disagree with our position?  Activism can quickly descend into negative karma.  If it is all about how we are superior than everyone else, then any action we take is contaminated with delusion and will lead to more suffering in the world – no matter how noble the words are!

 

Roshi brought up the example of the community garden he volunteers with.  First and foremost, the garden affirms life!  The produce is given away to food pantries in love and gratitude.  The work is practice.  What Roshi noticed is that “poverty activists” will show up at the garden from time to time and talk about how it is an ‘abomination’ that people need food pantries.  They will talk about how one group oppresses some other group are victims.  All of this may be true, but Roshi noted that they never touch the dirt in the garden!  They never get down on their knees and tend the growing solution right in front of them.  What is their real motivation?

 

So, when trying to save the world, what comes first?  Activism or Practice.  Here Roshi was clear – it must be practice and sangha!  Practice saves the individual first.  Sangha strengthens our ability to practice.  Our tradition is about disciplining the mind so we can see reality without delusion.  Other faith traditions accomplish the same thing with different methods.  They may strive to fully apprehend the glory of God.  The main thing is that the individual is changed – and the group moves that process forward.  Only then, can people honestly address the challenges of the world.  As such, it comes as no surprise that Pew found that people in congregations are more engaged.  For them it is not the sugar high of an ego boost.  It is simply the day-to-day practice and faith.

 

Roshi wrapped up by reminding us of the importance of practice and our sangha.  We must work on those first.  With those fully developed, there is no limit to the good we can do in the world.