Jeff Bridges has been one of my favorite actors since The Big Lebowski, so I was thrilled to hear about his interest in Buddhism. He was featured in a great discussion between himself and Zen Peacemaker Bernie Glassman. This is part 1--Part 2 will be released next week. Watch the video from Tricycle, (Click here) before reading my analysis of this interview below:First off, I too found a hint of Zen in Bridges' character "The Dude" in the aforementioned movie but I was more struck by the idea of bringing dignity to those who need some assistance with food. We are good at having pity upon people but being able to help others while helping them maintain their dignity and sense of importance as a human being is less evident in some programs--especially government ones. So, I'm excited to hear about what Bridges and Glassman are up to.
I also liked the idea of setting up Dharma centers that include a cafe that helps feed those who might need a meal or two but doing it in a way where they feel good about being there. That's why Glassman is calling them cafes where they'd be designed to be a comfortable place that you'd want to visit even if you didn't have a hungry stomach. Places that have live musicians providing a nice atmosphere including kid friendly elements. I like that he is working to bring the Dharma center to everyone and not just those who are attending for the day like attending a spa as he put it. Sometimes we can get so self-interested (ironically) while practicing the Dharma instead of how can we use our time at the Dharma center to also help others in our community.
I was even more happy to hear that Glassman would set these up, so that there isn't any proselytizing or "spiritual strings attached" to the help. I get really annoyed by spiritual groups who help people but only after those needing the help listen to a sermon. That's using their basic human needs against them to further push an agenda that is based less on unconditional help and more on running up the numbers of believers. Overall a great intimate discussion. Can't wait for part 2.
~Peace to all beings~
