Revolutionizing Meditation and Politics
It is inspiring to hear on a recent podcast conversation how Valerie’s meditation practice has given her the courage to speak the truth and take action against injustice and oppression, even when it may be difficult or risky to do so. Her insight that every aspect of our lives, including our meditation practice, is connected to politics is an important reminder that we cannot separate ourselves from the larger systems and structures that shape our world. Whether we are aware of it or not, our individual choices and actions can have an impact on the political and social landscape around us. It is our responsibility to use our voices and our power to create positive change, even if it means stepping outside of our comfort zones or facing opposition. Valerie also reminds us that we do not need to hate those who perpetuate injustice, but we must stand up against their actions and work towards a more just and equitable society. It is a reminder that activism and meditation are not mutually exclusive, and in fact, can be powerful tools for personal and social transformation.
“If you ask me, do I really hate military dictators? I have no hate. I don’t hate them. But I disagree with what they’re doing.”
“With the revolutions and religions mixed together, this is what I want to say. As for me - I don't know about others - I have courage after finishing meditation. After meditation, I have the courage to state the truth. I'm not afraid to say the truth. I can speak up now. If you ask me, do I really hate military dictators? I have no hate. I don't hate them. But I disagree with what they're doing.
I disagree with what they're doing, because look at the country now. A lot of people are suffering. And look at the country now; the economy is dropping. The World Bank just recently announced that Burma is the poorest country in Southeast Asia! It is because military dictatorship has been ruling the country for over 60 years. And look at that. It's going to be - we are 20 years behind the world trying to catch up with the world - now we are going to be another 20 years behind. So, if I don't speak up?
I'm living in the United States, why do I have to be afraid of it? To speak up is my responsibility. Again, I want to say I'm not ariya yet. Not ariya means I'm not an Arahant yet. Do I still have love? I do. Do I still hate? I do. But the problem is, everything was slightly gone. And I have no passion. But that is what gives me courage to talk about it, give me a courage to speak up about it.
I just want to say that if you think you are a religious person, [that] you are meditating, and you don't want to get into this revolution; or if you do not want to get involved in these politics, because politics is very difficult to understand; if you say it's not my business; if you still focus on that, let me ask you, let me ask those people, how can you meditate? I mean, every 24 hours, what you're doing is actually related to politics. And don't tell me that it doesn't relate to politics; it is related to politics.”