Zen PeaceMakers Symposium of Western Socially Engaged Buddhism

I am probably writing this to escape the dread of packing, but what the hell.

So I had the honor and joy of volunteering at the Zen Peacemakers Symposium of Western Socially Engaged Buddhism, at the Zen Peacemakers Farmhouse and Zendo, from August 8th to August 15th. I figured it would be a waste if I didn't try to recall and write about my amazing, and sometimes, overwhelming experience.

First I want to talk about the amazing group of volunteers, I had the honor of serving with. So often I forget that the rest of the world doesn't have the same agenda as I do. One woman was a Catholic, another kid was a Harvard student looking to understand ways to open up communication between Buddhists and Catholics. A few of the volunteers were on a kind of spiritual quest, seeking a place where they could find answers, while others weren't even Buddhist. So much for expectations. I wish I knew then, that these people, their names, their faces, the very essence of who they are, will follow me for a lifetime. I will always be blessed with the fortune of having encountered, worked with, laughed with, cried with, some of the most amazing people the human race has to offer. (I love you guys).

The week was spent rushing to and fro, getting up, setting up the hall for meditation, rushing down to eat before everyone got there, running from task to panel meeting back to task. I am not complaining in the slightest. I was actually extremely pleased with the way everything worked out. I came out to be of service, and if I was lucky, sit in on some of the Symposium, but I had an oppurtunity to make most of it.

I should probably take this opportunity to say that before showing up to the Symposium, I was just a punk rocker, who just happened to be into Buddhism and was looking to get his feet wet. When I left, I felt more like an Engaged Buddhist, part of an international sangha of other Engaged Buddhists, who just happened to be into punk rock, and I am still, soaking wet, from head to toe. I didn't think there was a place for me in this world comprised of people whom I have always respected from a distance. I felt like I was supposed to sit in the corner and play with my Rubiks Cube, while the grown ups took care of business. But not only was I made to feel a part of, but more so that my voice was actually needed and appreciated; that I spoke for a generation yet to come.

I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Fleet Maull about my role with Dharma Punx Boston and the role younger Engaged Buddhist will play in the future. I was given the privilege to laugh along side Bikkhu Bodhi about monks swimming and learned that monastics have not lost there sense of humor. Anne Waldman shared with us all, the importance the arts, or more directly, at least in my case, poetry plays in the spreading of the Dharma. I got to share time of devotion with Krishna Das, and I learned that Jeff Bridges likes hummus with his turkey sandwiches.

I had the honor of being able to speak up in panel meetings and meekly share my experience as a recovering drug addict and homeless youth, the transformative power of the Dharma, and the need to reach out to the impoverished and disenfranchised. When I walked around doubting the reciprocation of my statements, I was pulled to the side, time and time again, and was told how much people appreciate what i had to say, and that they were very glad that I had spoken up. I am still getting e-mails from people recalling my statements and presence at the Symposium.

The Zen Peacemakers, the amazing volunteers, the panelists and speakers and especially the attendees, gave me a new sense of purpose and direction. I realized that not only do i have the capability to make a difference, but maybe even an obligation. And from that sense of obligation and a manifestation of action, in accordance with "Not-Knowing", "Bearing Witness", and "Loving Action", has come irrefutable joy. Such a joy, it is a wonder that i had ever lived without it.

I have become "sold" on the Zen Peacemakers. I want to glean as much as I can from the wisdom behind such an active Order. For many years I tried to cover up the compassionate heart, cause it was painful, and i didn't think i could do anything to ease the suffering of the world. But the actions taken by some of the most inspiring teachers, and all the people connected to them, has shown me otherwise. I may have no money, and I am not sure how I am going to survive day by day, I do know, that i will do everything in my power to continue on the path, that was made clear to me, at the Zen Peacemakers Symposium for Western Socially Engaged Buddhists. I plan on trying to come up with the money to attend the "Residential Training Program" at the Montague Farmhouse. I would like to study at the Peacemakers Institute. I have even sought out the local White Plum lineage practice group.

If anybody reading this has an opportunity to work with the Zen Peacemakers, i would highly encourage you to do so. And if not the Zen Peacemakers, work with somebody. There is so much to do. Smiling at someone walking down the street. Giving a loving hello to the angry guy at the office. Letting people board the bus before you. Asking the name of a local homeless man, and remembering to greet him with his name when you see him. Volunteering at your local Humane Society. Giving money or time to a local non-profit. Sitting on the meditation cushion to transform your own life, so as to become a beacon of hope for others. Something I always try to tell the guys I sponsor in my 12 Step meetings, "If you think you lack something, give that something away, and you will realise it's abundance." Today I choose to have, and give, patience, compassion, kindness, appreciation, empathy and forgiveness, to those in need.