Certainly we have made this connection before, but the caption from a recent photo Theresa sent moves me to make it again:
Enjoying lunch as a family. Cheri and some of her friends have put together all their shares of Nshima and eat together. This shows how Ubuntu works here at Living Compassion, we share together.
One simple definition of Ubuntu, for folks who may not be familiar with the term, is “a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.” (As Buddhists we might add, all Life.) It makes so much sense to live from this We. How astounding it is that we easily get talked into looking out for “me,” for the separate self that believes itself to be outside of Life. I project that’s what touches us when we see children who have very little sharing what they have to ensure everyone is cared for. It makes so much sense.
“I am because you are” is another translation of ubuntu. When we are outside of conditioned mind, when we are present, ubuntu is the only way; nothing else would even occur to us. There is no self and other. We are one. “I can save enough for me and be okay, separate from you, while you go hungry” is an illusion. It’s just not possible.
When we practice, we practice for all. What you see in practice illuminates the path for me, what I see, for you. We are waking up together. As I heard recently, ending suffering is a team sport.
Deep gratitude to our Sangha 10,000 miles away, and in this case 6 years old, for yet another profound reminder.
Gassho,
Jen