I have had many conversations with friends on what to do after the November election. The following may be of some value.
Four Truths
- No situation is impossible to change.
- A communal vision, outstanding strategy, and sustained effort can bring forth positive change.
- Everyone can help make a difference.
- No one is free of responsibility.
Ten Laws
- Breakthrough may or may not occur. It is unpredictable. How it happens is mysterious. All we can do is work toward breakthrough.
- Some breakthroughs are life-affirming, others destructive.
- The chance for breakthrough increases when the objective and the process of change are clearly stated.
- The chance for breakthrough increases when blocks are clearly identified.
- The smaller the objective, the greater the chance for breakthrough.
- An effective, intense, and continuous effort builds a foundation for breakthrough.
- The larger the force combined with many others, the greater is the chance for breakthrough.
- The greater the objective, the easier it is to bring together forces for breakthrough.
- The chance for breakthrough increases when more attention is directed to the process than the goal.
- Non-attachment is a crucial element for breakthrough.
–Kazuaki Tanahashi, a painter, writer, translator, and peace activist. He is a founding member of Plutonium Free Future.
—Mindful Politics: A Buddhist Guide to Making the World a Better Place
