Interview with an American Buddhist Soldier Serving in Afghanistan. Part II.

And, now, the second half of my inteview with American Buddhist Lieutenant Hunnewell who is currently serving in the U.S. military in the war in Afghanistan (to read the first half of the interview, click on this sentence):

4). How do your other soldiers feel about your Buddhist practice?

On occasion I will receive questions about what the Buddhist practice entails and am increasingly receiving questions pertaining to the subjects of meditation and mindfulness. The Army is educating Soldiers more and more about the practice of meditation in order to assist Soldiers with the stressors of combat.

5). What tradition of Buddhism do you practice. Or, do you practice your own version?
I practice in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and am looking to join a sangha upon return home that follow the practices of Plum Village and Thich Nhat Han.

And, lastly...

6). Is there anything special that we in the Buddhist community can do to help the soldiers, and you in particular? Are they things we could send you to help you practice your faith? Or, any personal items that would improve your time there? Any books?

The Buddhist community could assist with the creation of a Buddhist Field Guide for members of the military which is being created in conjunction with a Buddhist Chaplain from the Navy. The information can be found on www.buddhistmilitarysangha.blogspot.com.

I have an amazing support network with consistent care packages from my wife, who continues to mail me packages even though she is a little over eight months pregnant. We are expecting our first child. I am very much interested in reading the following works from Thich Nhat Han “Savior”, “Chanting From the Heart: Buddhist Ceremonies and Daily Practices”, and “Being Peace”.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ancient Buddha statue in Afghanistan.

~Peace to all beings~

Suicides Account for Majority of U.S. Military Deaths; Surpassing Battlefield Deaths.

For the second consecutive year, the U.S. military has lost more troops to suicide, than it has to combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. That doesn't even include all the reservists. End the wars and improve mental health for our soldiers AND civilians. For too long, mental health has been the "dirty lil' secret" in America--it's time to speak out and be brave.

It's really easy to slap a yellow ribbon magnet onto your gas guzzling Hummer and lull yourself into a delusion that you're supporting the troops. Of course, everyone supports the soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, but how about when they come home? All too often they fade from our memories and they are left to disappear into the shadows of loneliness, isolation and mental anguish. Our soldiers did their fighting abroad, and now that they are at home, it is up to us, the civilians they fought for, to stand up and fight for them. It is up to us, to support them, and to gain the top-notch, mental health care that they have earned and deserve.

I refuse to stand by and let our tormented veterans be ignored and shunned because of the battle wounds that have scarred their minds. I hate war and dislike that they have to go through war in the first place, but I love those soldiers more. We need to put our money where our mouth is on this issue--literally. Is it so hard to give of our wealth, so that these heroes will be given every bit of assistance they need, earned in blood and deserve? Or, is our support for them limited to those yellow magnets on our cars that are literally, "the least we can do" for them?

~Peace to all Beings~

Don't Forget Burma. Plus, Announcing the "Free Burma" T-Shirt Recipient.

Perhaps the greatest chance for change in Burma lies with the very military that oppressed the non-violent protests of monks and civilians.

The probability of a Burmese soldier also being a Buddhist is great considering an over-whelming majority of Burmese citizens follow the religion. This means that probably most of these soldiers know that in their hearts that their violent actions not only create suffering amongst the people but within themselves as well and perhaps more importantly their family members. Surely many of these soldiers have family members who are devout Buddhists and maybe even have a family member who is a monk or nun. I think that these connections with their devoted Buddhist families will eventually wear down their loyalty to the government just like the soft strength of water erodes through the hardest rocks. It is true that Buddhism is very passive but it's strength lies within its devotion and unflinching love of everyone whether "enemy" or friend. It has been my experience that change for the better can only come when anger is matched with love and compassion.

It is only a matter of time before the average soldiers suffering becomes so great that they stage a massive desertion of the military and when that happens the violent government will collapse from it's own weight. This is because without their soldiers (who are increasingly conflicted) they are nothing. A major abandonment from the military is the best chance to end the suffering with the least amount of violence. If the majority of soldiers refuse orders to engage in hurting their friends and family as well as revered Buddhist monks and nuns then the Schwe inner circle has no one left to defend and fight for them. They would be over-whelmed by the masses that wouldn't be stopped by the soldiers which would quickly lead to throwing the sycophants into prison. Yes some people would surely die as the inner forces within the government would surely use violence to try and beat back the tide of change. However, if the majority of the military is with the people then that would be the best option in keeping deaths and injuries down to a minimum.

May peace come to the people of Burma sooner rather than later.

I just passed my 500th post here at The Buddhist Blog so I thought now would be a great opportunity to announce the recipient of the "Free Burma" t-shirt. And the name that I pulled out of the hat was Marie Roshi. Email me Marie (jaymur-at-gmail.com) with your address so that I can send it out to you. I hope that you wear it often and keep the Burmese cause alive.

~Peace to all beings~