Bhikkhu Bodhi message: the lesson of corona

Bhikkhu Bodhi (BAUS, Bodhi Monastery); Ellie Askew, Dhr. Seven (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly

Theravada scholar-monk Bhikkhu Bodhi

...In the long run, this epidemic may be teaching us a powerful lesson about the imperative of fundamental social transformation, pushing us to lay the foundations for a more equitable society and a more sustainable world.

It is unconscionable that here, in the most affluent nation on earth, the least among us languish in their time of urgent need. The time is ripe for us to see that everyone’s basic human needs are met.

Above all, we must replace a profit-driven healthcare system with an alternative system built on the premise that health care is a fundamental human right, something to which every person is entitled by reason of his or her humanity regardless of income and social status.

To bring about the change we need requires concerted action from all of us, beginning with the simple task of contacting our congressional representatives and asking them to support such policies as the “moral agenda” proposed by the Poor People’s Campaign.

Anthology: In the Buddha's Words (Ven. Bodhi)

The Buddha said that the truly great person lives for his or her own welfare, for the welfare of others, and for the welfare of the whole world.

This is one of those special times when we are being given the chance to meet this call to greatness, when we are being asked to act for the welfare of the world.

The Numerical Discourses

To act in such a way, we do not have to perform extraordinary deeds of self-sacrifice or unparalleled feats of creative innovation; we don’t have to be the ones who discover a vaccine for the coronavirus.

The requirement, rather, is very simple: to adhere faithfully to the guidelines of social responsibility and to heed the call of social justice. By acting responsibly, even with our own best interest as our motivation, we will be putting compassion into action.

We’ll be promoting the good of our loved ones, neighbors, community and nation, and ultimately the good of the world. More

Bhikkhu Bodhi (Jeffrey Block) is the famous American author of many English translations.