The Real Problem 'Out There'
I read with sadness today about the removal, or downgrading of Michael Brown as head of FEMA for the hurricane disaster. It's not that I thought he was such a great guy or truly qualified (or not qualified) for that job. What I did feel was the pressure of the witch hunt that had been underway and people's need to blame the situation on someone. I don't think anyone felt better after it was all over. We are such a ruthless society sometimes, in the way we treat each other, and ultimately ourselves. All of that hatred and anger could have been used in such better ways. What must it feel like to be the brunt of that kind of action? To turn on the TV and be faced with national criticism? It must be overwhelming.

In other news about people trying to cure their internal issues with badmouthing other people, we have the pastor of the Bellevue Community Church who has been handing out pamphlets to young children about the evils of the Dalai Lama and how he is pushing for disarmament in order to take over the world. He, I'm sure, and the other exiled Tibetan refugees, who were such a powerful military force to be reckoned with against China....What kind of hatred must be brewing in that man's heart? How sad that is. To be able to twist such words of love (both HH's and Jesus') into venom and exclusion. Kind of how Jesus was treated isn't it??? The only thing we can do is have compassion for him and his kind. Their hearts are so closed, their beliefs are so fragile that they can be threatened so easily. What fear he must operate under!

In happier news, I just got back from the first night of the Spiritual Film Festival. What an amazing group of people, films, and energy. The showing was great for the first night, and will probably just expand as the weekend goes on. I can't wait to see more films - especially Zen Noir - which is supposed to be really good. It seems so surreal, to have this weekend finally be here!!!! He's really going to be here on Sunday. Though, I must say, after all of there research I did for the articles I wrote, I no longer regard him as anything but human - an amazing and accomplished human, but no longer a "god-king" as it were. Seeing the movies was good to also remind me about his past and his heritage. He is such a man of the world now, it's good to remember that his mythical story actually did start out in a small village in the middle of nowhere. Wow, what a story.

The adventure continues.........

Oh, and if you get a chance, make sure you check out Chasing Buddha this weekend at the Film Festival. It's about a buddhist nun - Ven. Robina Courtin - who used to be a radical feminist. Spirit of the Valley is honored to sponsor this film.