Spirituality and Activism

More and more I am seeing how important it is to take action to address the political injustice and ecological devastation that our world is experiencing in an ever growing way. And so I will probably be bringing examples of such matters to your attention as I encounter them myself. The issue of bringing our spiritual practice and activist energy into congruence is discussed in As Above, So Below by Ronald S. Miller. Here's the pertinent passage:

Traditionally, spiritual seekers have practiced their disciplines as part of the solitary quest for enlightenment. Today, the distinctions between spirituality and social activism are blurring, and engaged forms of spiritual practice are cropping up everywhere, based on the notion that genuine wisdom and compassionate action are not incompatible. Indeed, given the gravity of the environmental crisis and the extent of political and social injustice around the globe, they are of necessity joining forces. In this enterprise, spirituality completes itself in political action, and activism acquires a soul.

The above passage was written in 1992. How much more true it is today with our greater awareness of the current threat to our planet by humanity's consumer-driven behavior. How much more true it is with war and the threat of war continuing to intensify. How much more true it is with our current political climate of bigotry, intolerance and eroding civil liberties. Consider making courageous action a part of your meditative practice for this is truly the path of integrity and compassion.