…And Justice for All

The pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America ends with the familiar word, “With liberty and justice for all.”

In recent years we have become aware of many types of injustice – racial injustice, economic injustice, social injustice and climate injustice.

Socially engaged Buddhists since the 1960’s have working in the areas of racial justice, economic justice, social justice and recently, climate justice.

All of these forms of justice (or injustice) are interconnected – they all relate to each other.

For example, the current poverty in Syria and the mass exodus from there is partially the result of a drought having to do with climate justice.

The cost of pita bread became unobtainable for much of the population.

Conflict and injustice reigned and people lost their lives, land and property.

Ajan Sulak Sivaraksa, a Buddhist elder and activist has this to say about what we need now:

“We need to be culturally sensitive, politically concerned and socially committed to have the courage to tackle questions of the common good and to point out unjust and abusive situations. 

To be able to see clearly, to be truly aware of the state of the world, we must begin by deprogramming ourselves and be free of prejudice toward those we criticize. 

By working with others of goodwill, we can identify and confront abuses of power. It is critical for people of all faiths and ideologies, as well as atheists and agnostics, to listen to each other as we promote justice and have balance through non-violent means. 

Equality must be upheld in all situations, in order to have empathy for, as well as to stay in touch with the poor and the oppressed.”

~Ajan Sulak Sivaraksa, Buddhist Elder & Activist

So where is there justice today?

Why are we facing so many crises in government, economics, climate, race, religion and many others?

The only thing we have to loose is life on planet earth.