I want to acknowledge the boldness, heroism and humility
exhibited by the US veterans, both men and women, and including Tulsi Gabbard
-- a warrior and congresswoman. In solidarity, they joined the Native Americans
and many others at Standing Rock. They are truly warriors and leaders. I
practice the Vaisnava/Krishna tradition. And these vets, and indeed all who
have gathered at Standing Rock, are for me paragons of my tradition. Three
reasons:
1- There’s a Krishna prayer that "one should think of
themselves as straw on the street, be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of
false ego, and ready to offer all respects to others." That’s what I see
happening in these photos of the vets.
2 - In my tradition, it’s also explained that you should
leave a place cleaner than you found it. So rather than thinking ‘I didn’t make
this mess. It’s not my problem’ one should think ‘Ok, there’s a mess here. I
didn’t make it, but I take the
responsibility to clean it up.’ So these vets are ready to do whatever they can
to bring about healing in our nation, even to humbly submit themselves before
others. This is courage.
3 - Finally, the Native American elders said their gathering
was not a protest, but rather a gathering for prayer to protect the river and
the land. This is in keeping with the long spiritual history of India. At
Standing Rock I see the spirit of Kumbha Mela, a pilgrimage held every twelve
years, by sacred rivers, welcoming all people everywhere to attend. The Kumbha
Mela has been going on since time immemorial. The event takes place in northern
India in January, the coldest time of the year.
There, and at many other events, people have gathered in
large numbers for prayer, chanting the sacred names of God for the benefit of
all and the protection of Mother Earth. These gatherings also give the
attendees a chance to perform austerities in the form of fasting, bathing in
the river's frigid water, facing a harsh climate, and sleeping on the earth
rather than in a soft bed. I’m sure those who have gathered at Standing Rock
know what I’m talking about.
America, and the world, sorely needs these types of examples
more than ever. But warriors have to be leaders and courageous and generous,
all at the same time. It’s not easy. The responsibilities of a warrior/leader
are brought in sharp focus in the ancient epic Mahabharata. I think Mahabharata is one of the most
valuable stories for healing and for seekers of spiritual wisdom in our time.
The story is about five warrior brothers - the Pandavas -
struggling to stand up to tyranny and at the same time keep their humanity.
There’s a monumental battle that takes place. One of the most important things
for them is to abide in the Dharma, to live with integrity. They strive to live
in the courage, justice and humility that is required of them.
But just like the rift in our nation, the Pandavas don't
always see eye to eye. They have their contentious moments, but they work
through it. This is the very task set before us today. In closing, I humbly
request of those who are organizing various events to include prayer, chants,
and sacred ceremony as a show of unity among all spiritual traditions. Mitakuye
Oyasin.
PS: I have been on a journey with Mahabharata for over three
decades; first offering it as a full-length drama and later as sacred
storytelling and more recently in a 'fast-paced, cinematic' book. For more on his award-winning rendering of
the epic see www.Mahabharata-Project.com
