a post by Philip Perry for the Big Think blog
Jack Kornfield originally studied Buddhism in Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), and India, in order to become a monk. Today, he is an award-winning writer, public speaker, and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Mass., and the Spirit Rock Center of Calif.
At the Wisdom 2.0 Conference, recently held in San Francisco, Kornfield talked about the current socio-political atmosphere and the anger, distress, and anxiety many feel surrounding it. He shared insights on how to calm these feelings and supplant them with courage, compassion, and wisdom.
Kornfield began by polling the room. He asked how many people were feeling anxiety over the current political environment. A large swath of attendees raised their hands. In Greek mythology, he explained, the furies were unleashed upon the Earth when oaths or rules were broken, or the vulnerable or the populous had been offended. These were monstrous harpies named jealousy, hatred, and vengeance.
The results of the last US election and the social and political turmoil that erupted in its aftermath, is bringing to the surface a tempest of negative emotions. But the problem is, “The furies can’t be stopped when they’re released.” Only Athena, the goddess of wisdom could neutralize them. How?
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Using Greek mythology and Buddhism confused me more than somewhat but the underlying ideas seem quite reasonable. Personally I would translate it all into a Christian context but that will not be right for all readers.
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