The controversy in Theravada Buddhism reflects the violence against women worldwide. Of course Theravada is not immune from such problems, we are at the heart of it.
We invited such conflict when we began the path of practice because we invited the supreme challenge, to be the best we can be. What is that? The US military motto? No, it's really what we are up to. We must master ourselves, transform ourselves, lose our 'selves' to benefit all beings.
Likely without goading we would be lazy and remain insensate to our own lacks and failings, because of such goading we are spurred to work harder, to energize, to apply effort with bravery, kindness, and gratitude. The cultivation of generosity compassion and wisdom is the best thing we can do, the best response we can have to news from distant lands or scenes of brutal injustice right in our own daily lives.
When we pick up our intention and restart the regular effort it must be balanced, it cannot be harsh or demanding, it must be kind. Otherwise we generate friction, heat and waste products that threaten to undo all our good intention. Often harshness is the result of fear, this has to be investigated and acknowledged so it can be let go of.
So the process takes patience. This is efficient practice, it takes time and must be started well before the acute need is upon us to be of most benefit. I take this into the day as a wake up call for present moment awareness, be here now. This is the most essential activity.
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