Meditation for January 20

Let us not follow vulgar leaders

Who exploit the fear of death,

And promise the bliss of salvation.

If we are truly happy,

They will have nothing to offer.

Some leaders use threats to win adherents. They invoke death to force good behavior and to herd people toward paradise. Others woo with grand promises. If you have no satisfaction, they offer bliss. If you feel inadequate, they offer success. If you are lonely, they offer acceptance. But if we do not fear death and are happy, what will such leaders have to offer? Spirituality is an organic part of daily life, not something dispensed by a professional. True spirituality is liberation, not just from the delusions of reality but from the delusions of religion as well. If we attain freedom from the fear of death, a sound way of health, and a path of understanding through life, there is happiness and no need for false leaders.

365 Tao Meditations. This interestingly enough was the entry for January 20. I think that this provides a good way of looking at the new presidency. I believe that the past eight years have been dictated with fear. President Bush has used fear as a manipulative tool to lead our country. I believe that Obama will be a breath of fresh air. I hope he will encourage individuals to seek happiness in their own communities. People need to start focussing on efforts they can make to better our country on a grassroots level. >