The Beginning

My reluctance at giving in to blogging is almost insurmountable. The truth is, that out of all my options, the internet has the most capacity for reaching the greatest number of people. It has come to my attention, as I am sure it has come to yours (or in any case, it will have once you're done reading this,) the unethical and inhumane treatment of roughly sixty percent of the population. I know I can't expect an army of people to instantly give up part of their lives to ensure the survival of others, but I can try.

I am an American. I believe in the values and ideals of this country; nothing compares to it. I believe in our constitution and in the idea that "all men are created equal." I also consider myself a spiritual person, that's right, I am a Christian. Even more important than the previous two, I am human.

What does it mean to be human? To want, to need, and most of all, to suffer. It is one of my beliefs that suffering is the only true equalizer, in that it inflicts us all regardless of age, race, sex, or economic station (though the level of sufferance can artificially be altered by the accumulation of material things). I think this reality, that of "World Suffering", is lost on the privileged masses that center their whole lives on themselves and the people closest to them. Frankly that isn't enough, that can't be enough. If we are to change the world in a manner which it has never seen, we cannot continue to sell ourselves short and resign ourselves to "just one person can't make a difference." So let us begin with lesson one:

1. All People Suffer. It's hard for us to comprehend the fact that others, apart and foreign from ourselves, suffer as we do. The fact of the matter is that most people who inhabit the earth can be said to suffer more acutely. When was the last time you went without a meal? When was the last time you went a month without a meal? When was the last time you saw your child die at the hands of a brutal military regime? We've all suffered at some point, felt the pain of heartbreak, of death and hunger, but we tend to forget that this pain is not the worst this world as seen. Yes, it can be said that we've bred a nation of selfishness, but we can change that.

Suffering is a religious fundamental. In buddhism, this is the core of the Four Noble Truths:

1. Life means suffering.
2. The origin of suffering is attachment
3. The cessation of suffering is attainable
4. The path to the cessation of suffering (The Eight Fold Path, which I will go into detail on later)

If it is true that life is suffering, then it would not be incorrect to assume that we all suffer. If the origin of suffering is attachment, then it also stands to say that our suffering is interconnect in such a way that one person's suffering is caused by another (the attachment of human beings). Going even further, it wouldn't be insane to hypothesize that in preventing or stopping the suffering of others we then prevent and, indeed, cease our own suffering. Our happiness is directly linked to others, possibly even to people we haven't even met.

In this matter, I high recommend His Holiness The Dalai Lama's book Ethics for a New Millennium, which directly illustrates the interconnectivity of our world community and how what we do here affects what happens across the world.

Similarly, in Christianity, suffering and, more importantly, those who suffer are the chosen people of God and are said to have infinitely more than their more successful counterparts.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth."

-Matthew 5:1-6

Don't be confused by what this passage reads, it doesn't promote being poor or suffering, only that those who suffer the most in life, reap the most rewards in the afterlife. The passage, too, reads:

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

-Matthew 5:6-10

This is to say, that those who practice the word of God, who are righteous and act in His name are also blessed in the name of the Lord. What better way to reclaim your faith than by acting in God's name and doing His will? Jesus speaks to us all in this passage and reminds us that, while we may suffer, we can ultimately become better people, nourishing our souls in such a way that precedes Heavenly splendor. We can show people mercy, make peace, and be pure of heart because this is how God intended for us to be. Of course, no one is perfect, and while we all make mistakes, it is important to remember that we must always do the best we can and strive to show these good qualities to others without pride. We must help others as God helps us on this plane of existence.

I understand that this may be hard to swallow for some people, and even though I haven't said anything that has not been discussed or isn't "new," I believe it's important for me to try my hardest to open the eyes of as many people as possible. I suppose I've taken this mission unto myself because I feel such a strong conviction that the fate of many is my responsibility. Indeed, we are all responsible for one another, in that sense, we are our brother's keeper.

I also believe it is important to tell you how I got here. Not too long ago, I was one of the uneducated, one of the blind who couldn't see anything further than the state line. Why does the happiness of someone so far away, completely alien to me, affect me as I am now? I brooded over this though for about two months, thinking about those less fortunate than me as well the state of my family. How could one possibly equal the other. My family is my family... their importance is paramount. Then a though struck me "Those who are dying, sick and hungry, are someone's family, too. Are loved and love people and their loss is equal to mine because all humans feel the same emotions." Next, I mentally put my family in those situation which are the least humane. In the car on the way home, my body shook with the intensity of my weeping. For about twenty minutes I felt the weight of human suffering and through tears I tried to purge my body of the sick feeling of pure pain. For a little while my soul was aligned to those out there who suffered and I felt what they felt. I had suddenly grown a larger capacity for compassion.

Perhaps, dear reader, this doesn't mean anything to you. But I can assure you that if you think the same things, you will more than likely come to the same conclusion. And why fight it? You and I can change this world for the better; for our children, for our grandchildren... maybe even for us. I ask that all who read this search their hearts, you will find the answer: The true key to happiness is ensuring other's happiness."

I very sincerely love you all,

Every Man