Tara Brach

The spiritual path has to do with the quality of heart we bring into action.

And I always think of that

classic metaphor that we're on this boat together that's leaking and listing, you know, all of us, all species.

And those less fortunate are privileged or feeling the water first.

And we need to bail out water for the sake of all of us.

And everyone's part of us.

You know, we belong together.

So how can we serve all beings in a way that's heartfelt?

And one of my models right now

I think of Minneapolis a lot because there's one of the words that came out of the protests and actions in Minneapolis was neighborliness.

And I really love that word.

that we have a feeling of neighborliness towards all.

I heard an interview and one person in a protest says, I don't love protests, but I love people.

So that's the spirit.

That is the spirit of a spiritual path.

And of course, as you brought up, many people use their spirituality to avoid engagement.

One way that you mentioned, you know, I'm in this for freedom.

There's been suffering through all the ages and my task is to, you know, uproot defilements in my own mind and hold the world with equanimity and compassion but not reaction.

And then there's this misunderstanding of what is equanimity, that it's kind of used to disengage and pull back instead of showing up with care.

And some people on a spiritual path will say, well, everything happens for a reason, just stay positive.