Krisna Das discussion

Dear All;
The KD documentary and discussion after was insightful. Krisna Das's melodious voice continues to waft through my mind.
I found the sharing about the American Bhakti from the 60's generation (my generation) poignant and ironic....Many in my generation, like KD, placed our hopes for enlightenment in the east, particularly India.
During the sharing I was reminded how people tend to appreciate the treasures of their native country after having left it. We take for granted and don't appreciate what was right in front of our nose.
When I was 12 years old I moved to Japan and then Thailand for a few years and developed a love of the East but also a deep appreciation for America. I wish that more American youths would go live in other parts of the world and remember what is good about this great, albeit imperfect country.

thanks for another fantastic retreat.

Sue Ann

Why don't we hear these stories?

I wanted to share the following story with this group.

"In the Babemba tribe of South Africa, when a person acts irresponsibly or unjustly, he or she is placed in the center of the village, alone and unfettered. All work ceases, and every man, woman and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused individual. Then each person in the tribe speaks to the accused, one at a time, about all the good things the person in the center has done in his lifetime. Every incident, every experience that can be recalled with any detail and accuracy is recounted. All his positive attributes, good deeds, strengths and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length. The tribal ceremony often lasts several days. At the end, the tribal circle is broken, a joyous celebration takes place, and the person is symbolically and literally welcomed back into the tribe." - The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace By Jack Kornfield

We hear about the communities that throw stones at convicts. But, we never hear about the communities like Babemba tribe.