Many rivers, one ocean: We can help make harmony a reality

There are many kinds of rivers, from the smallest stream, to the greatest arterial waterway. The rivers that feed the ocean may differ from one another in how wide or deep they are, and the way they flow, but none assert their way over others. But we as people do. Perhaps it is out of necessity?

Shinjo Ito, founder of Shinnyo-en, always maintained that as a religionist, his position in conflict between people was “no position.” He said that his job was instead to facilitate, helping “blue lights to shine blue and yellow lights to shine yellow.”

As a spiritual leader, he held the conviction that his role was to be a foundation for others, providing opportunities whereby others could bring out the very best in themselves. He strove to be a bridge between people to promote dialogue instead of conflict.

To varying degrees, all of us live among others with whom we may not necessarily get along. Left to our own devices, we tend toward contrast and polarization — what we like or dislike, what is right or wrong. However, just as there are no perfect answers, there are also no perfectly good people. Nor are there perfectly bad people.

Yet, even though we are inclined to differentiate and divide, within each of us lies the warm human propensity to cherish loved ones. This is true for everyone. When we focus on our own self- interest and push it on others in our daily lives, we lose sight of that reality.

This is why we must make an effort:

>> To be humble.

>> To have a clear view of reality.

>> To rid ourselves of preconceptions.

>> To not see the world with a biased view.

>> To walk the Middle Way.

We might already understand this intellectually. But just as we all are sometimes moved by warm, loving feelings, we are also swayed by thoughts of anger or hostility. How difficult it is to extend ourselves in equanimity, without distinguishing friend or foe. I have faith, however, in our skillful resilience to pursue communication without letting despair get the best of us.

To start, we should wake up to the fact that many of the fears we harbor are just born of preconception. Understanding this, we will not immediately dismiss the experiences of those around us that differ from our own. I’d call this wisdom. Then, we should approach with tolerance those who have opposing views. Try to engage them with an open mind and heart. This is acting with loving kindness.

“Harmony” is not just a nice-sounding ideal. It requires understanding and the capacity to forgive one another. At the same time, we must be willing to look within and reflect on ourselves and act responsibly. Only then can we begin to make harmony a reality.

During this year’s Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony, as we gaze upon the many lanterns floating together upon this one, great ocean, remember that this ocean is filled by the waters of many different rivers, each flowing in its own way.

I invite everyone here to reflect upon these thoughts and to consider what we can do, starting tomorrow, to make harmony a reality in our lives. I believe this to be the greatest gift we could give to our loved ones and to all those who came before us.

So, while our lanterns honor our passed loved-ones, let them also be a symbol of our resolve to strive for wisdom; to practice compassion; and to be better in our everyday lives.

The Rev. Craig Yamamoto is with the Buddhist sangha Shinnyo- en, which, with its secular community-building arm Na Lei Aloha Foundation, organizes the annual Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony, held on Memorial Day at Ala Moana Beach Park.