Example and Exception: How Bigotry is Sustained

Given:

-2 groups, A and B.

-A and B are reference groups of identity.

(In Buddhism, the flaw - thinking we "exist from our own side" - occurs at this point.)

-B is bigoted against/about A.

 (In Christianity, the flaw - failing to "love our neighbor as ourself" - mostly occurs here.)

************

-X is viewed by B as a negative behavior.
-Y is viewed by B as a positive behavior.

************

When:

-a member of A does X(bad), B sees this as an example of 'all' A's.

-a member of A does Y(good), B sees this as an exception to 'all' A's.

-a member of A repeatedly does Y(good), B sees this member of A as one who has transcended 'A-ness' and learned to behave like B's, though this designation is conditional on that member of A always doing Y(good).

************

When:

-a member of B does Y(good), B sees this as a "perfect example of itself."

-a member of B does X(bad), 'all' other B's see that as an exception to B's.

-a member of B repeatedly does X(bad), 'all' other B's see that member of B as "acting like an A." They are exceptions to all B's; an example of a "bad B."

To B, the only thing worse than an A is a "bad B."

*************

Therefore, through the flawed processes of misidentification, negative reference group behaviors, uncharitable actions and attitudes, and group social pressures - bigotry is sustained.

Perspective

Two birds waited for the sun to rise.

Said one, "Soon, I shall eat."

Said the other, "Already, I sing!"

'Beginner's Mind' is Not Just for Beginners

In Zen Buddhism, the notion of 'beginner's mind' - a state of receptivity - has been written about extensively.

I was wondering if there was a similar teaching in the Christian tradition, and ran across this astounding statement by Jesus:

"When, therefore, a teacher of the law has become a learner in the kingdom of Heaven, he is like a householder who can produce from his store both the new and the old." (Matthew 13:52)

Keep it Simple!

Bread feeds us. We are nourished and sustained.
Love is our bread.
Simplicity of the heart compels us to discover in our bread simple meanings to boundless love. Now is the time to discover our simplicity, our meaning, and our love.

excerpt from: The Antidote to Time, Lessons from the Dream.

Start Small!

Tibet's patron saint, Padmasambhava, said:

"Though my View is as spacious as the sky,
my actions and respect for cause and effect are as fine as grains of flour."

Start with the smallest details, and the big stuff will take care of itself.

The Eight Mundane Concerns

Four pairs of polar opposites are identified as "mundane" concerns.

One is defiled by the mundane concerns if one's motivation derives from:

Attachment to gain, or fear of loss.
Attachment to pleasure, or fear of pain.
Attachment to renown, or fear of infamy.
Attachment to praise, or fear of blame.

Source: "Essence of the Heart Sutra," His Holiness the Dalai Lama.