by Rev. Sangye Hawke
Living with risk is unfortunately part of who we are. Now it has encompassed our entire faith. What do we do as BIPOC to manage ourselves, our emotions and physical well being in a time that is now being actively transformed into a world that would seek to harm us?
I remember long ago, meeting Tibetans that had fled oppression and their homeland. How did they create community in places that sometimes actively reviled them? It came down to unapologetic commitment. Commitment to honor their lineages and a commitment to create lineages anew. Stories of their faith’s origins is what bound them together. Stories of times when they were challenged with existence as humans and stories about the origins of their villages and their families’ part in creating their future.
What is our story today?
What is our part right now in unitarian universalism?
It can be the story of who we have become, a multicultural connection, gathering of loving kindness, a gathering of loving kindness, a place of sanctuary. We do not fear opening our doors to those who need us because we know the power of community outlasts political harm. My Tibetan friends remind me of this each day.
Seek out each other now and share stories of today’s worries, today’s strategies, and today’s gatherings. Remember to sing deeply and loudly the songs and melodies and prayers that remind you that you are here and you have a purpose: Survive and thrive.
Last month we were reminded of the sacred union of dance. So should we gather in sacred song, in sacred prayer, and in collective literal harmony.
Om Mani Peme Hung.
(Tibetan version-Padme is the Sanskrit version)
About the Author
Reverend Sangye Hawke is a graduate of both UC Berkeley and Starr King School for the Ministry. Californian historian, Tibetan Buddhist, ordained Unitarian Universalist Minister, and mother and grandmother, Sangye brings what she calls “Unitarian Universalist Dharma” to her ministry, sharing practices and insights to navigate today’s challenges and awaken the Emergent Buddha within to transform and liberate our world.
