pre-election reflection: rereading the 'election returns' interviews; or, 'third eye on the news'

Earlier this year I was burning out from the stress, conflict, and uncertainty of the election.  It seemed like a good idea to ask some Buddhists for guidance. So I did, in my second piece for the Buddhist magazine Tricycle. It's called "Election Returns: The Politics of Karma, the Karma of Politics." A number of wise people gave me real wisdom -- far more than I could fit into a 2500-word piece.  So today I put up a number of the interviews here at Night Light.

I feel that one obligation we have to the future on this election eve is to remain mindful of the long view, as well as our immediate goals.  That's why I'm publishing these dialogues.I especially liked what Thai activist Sulak Sivaraksa told me: "You (Americans) must try to help each other fight structural violence. It's not Buddhist to pursue a selfish Nirvana."

Interviews (in alphabetical order):

• Roshi Bernie Glassman
• Thom Hartmann
• Ken Jones
• Jack Kornfield
• Wes Nisker
• Anne Waldman