Above the Fray

Let me direct your attention to the following article on the most recent issue of Tricycle Magazine: Above the Fray. It is a good reflection on the challenges associated with being a political actor (in whatever form, but in this case as journalist) and trying to lead a mindful life. As the author suggests, passivity, lassitude, and non-engagement are not the answer. Then again, it depends on context, on how much harm our participation might create, where we act from, etc.

Can a person maintain equanimity and stay in the political debate? And what about the precept of right speech? It forbids lying, of course. But it also means no harsh words, rumor-mongering, or frivolous talk.

Yes, in my estimation it also means that we must speak truth to power, and we must exercise our voice for the wellbeing of others.

Here's another tidbit that highlights the role of irony and satire:

I was certainly finding it difficult to maintain an aggressive, ironic tone, so I asked Dharmavidya about irony and satire. “The Buddha was attracted to irony,” he said. “He was a prophet with a sense of humor. Once when he was debating the idea that bathing in the holy river is purifying, he said, ‘There must be a lot of holy fish.’ And when he talked about Jain asceticism, he pointed out that it was designed to end suffering by inflicting even more suffering—on its followers.”

So irony, or even its evil twin, sarcasm, isn’t necessarily un-Buddhist? “Not necessarily,” said Dharmavidya. “The Buddha judged these things based on the likely outcome and how wholesome the speaker’s intent is.”

“First, do no harm.” The physician’s precept should also be mine. In an ideal world, everything I write would come with a disclaimer that says: “No animals or humans were harmed in the production of these words.” No one. Not Tucker Carlson, or Sean Hannity, or Joe Klein. Not even Dick Cheney. I’m not there yet, but I’m trying.

Irony, Satire, ridicule, all can be particularly effective rhetorical strategies. Notwithstanding how "postmodern irony" gets derided by so many as mean-spirited, irony can also be conceived as opening space for dialogue by highlighting incongruity and sparking realization (much like a Koan!). More on this later!

Comments

[Justin Whitaker]

Hia Nacho - yes, I think it's an interesting point that the Buddha employed irony and humor in his writings, a point probably missed by many early Western Buddhists (and many today too!). It's one of the problems of relying on the written word, the nuances of direct transmission (probably especially the humor) are lost. I like the Koan analogy too; just like the 'lot of holy fish' comment it gently lets the listener know that their framework of thought needs some expanding.

Plenty to ponder.

[tinythinker]

I can see irony and satire but I am not so sure about ridicule - might that not suggest an unwholesome state of mind/intent? (And if you can effectively use ridicule to demonstrate I am in error without sounding offensive you get doube points ;o? )