Wow. Dig Hillary Clinton talking like a straight-up Buddhist in her opening remarks before her confirmation hearing as U.S. Secretary of State:
“The president-elect and I believe that foreign policy must be based on a marriage of principles and pragmatism, not rigid ideology, on facts and evidence, not emotion or prejudice. Our security, our vitality, and our ability to lead in today's world oblige us to recognize the overwhelming facts of our interdependence.”
Little ray of hope for your Thursday.
(h/t Juan Cole, Informed Comment)
Sounds like a prayer to me.
Posted by: Kay in New Mexico | January 15, 2009 at 09:35 AM
I'm just a bit cynical, fine sounding words are easy, as past president's have demonstrated (especially the last one). I hope and pray that it leads to some compassionate actions.
Posted by: Northmoon | January 15, 2009 at 05:24 PM
I think it is more the language of reason rather than a Buddhist outburst.
Buddhism is a dogmatic religion, although not based solely on belief, and political interdependence has nothing to do, whatsoever, with pratiityasamutpaada, unless one adopts a very very idealistic point of view in philosophy. Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama are a bit responsible for the confusion. Also, using Buddhism as a ground for ecology is, at least, an anachronism. Ecology is a definitely Western, modern concept.
But it is also very comforting to read in the US press obvious things at last: waterboarding is torture. Also in the British press that "war on terror" was a wrong concept and motto. Perhaps analyses will make a come back into journalism soon?
In the meantime, France is stuck with Mr. Sarkozy, who praised to the skies the economic success of the UK, amongst other lovefests.
Keep warm, Konchog!
Posted by: Christian | January 16, 2009 at 01:29 AM
"we are everywhere" is a grateful dead mantra... you told me you weren't into the dead. what gives? lol... actually, we prefer Weir Everywhere!!!
:)
namaste,
chris s (birder from MD -think Snowy Owls in Del.!)
Posted by: Chris Starling | January 17, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Oh dear, Chris, I am so not a deadhead. I thought it was a declaration you find within the gay rights community.
On the other hand, I will never forget that Snowy Owl in the Delaware mists. Got another lifer yesterday, Daurian Partridge. A cool bird, but no comparison.
Posted by: Konchog | January 17, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Daurian Partridge, eh... but was it in a pear tree?
I got two lifers yesterday as well! Barrow's Goldeneye and Tufted Duck!!! -Both are showing in Cambridge right now with a Eurasian Wigeon to boot! It was 6 here yesterday! I know its colder there though... stay warm and safe!
Next week I am polar bear plunging for special olympics of MD... Hope its a tad warmer...
-many blessing for all you do. Be well my friend!
-C
Posted by: Chris Starling | January 18, 2009 at 01:31 PM