Thoughts On The Nembutsu, Thich Nhat Hanh on Israel/Palestine, and the Buddha's Birthday at the White House
Hello Strange Wonder readers,
Welcome to the new dispatch. This week’s issue has a decidedly Buddhist tinge, as we contemplate the most popular Buddhist mantra in the world (though one little known in the West): the Nembutsu. I also have a new Spinoza essay for you, and a healing immersion into the wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh on the Israel/Palestine conflict, plus a few other goodies. Stay tuned for next week, when we return with the date for the next Strange Wonder virtual salon!
What I’m Writing
The vast majority of Buddhists in China and Japan practice an egalitarian form of folk Buddhism called “Pure Land” which is little known in the West due to its simple, devotional nature and emphasis on grace. Zen masters in those countries have found wisdom in it, however, and here I explain why sometimes I chant the Pure Land mantra.
A new Spinoza revised Spinoza essay: Does God Have Free Will?
If anyone has free will, it’s God, right? Right? Not according to Spinoza, who found the idea that God could act differently than God actually does incoherent. Understanding why is not only a road to a kind of enlightenment, but also offers a step towards the only kind of freedom available to us human beings.
What I’m Reading
If your appetite for Spinoza is not satisfied, here is some more from Aeon: Spinoza and the climate crisis.
In 2003, Vietnamese Zen Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh gave a retreat for Israelis and Palestinians. His words then still carry healing and inspiration.
Finally, I was skeptical, but I have to admit the Biden administration has indeed done a number of good things. Here’s something small but meaningful both for the cause of a truly multicultural America and to Buddhists everywhere: the first Buddha Birthday celebration at the White House.
AOBAG
A couple of years old, but ICYMI: New Leonard Cohen Music Video Is Very Buddhist (Nov 2019)