Buddhism: Making Campuses Safer

Monday was a very sad day for all of us. Now is a moment in which we are called upon to reflect on ourselves and our world, to face the questions of what went wrong, and what can we do to prevent this in the future. In light of the recent shootings in Virginia, I’m sure there will be discussions of ways to make our campus safer. Some will propose metal detectors, more police, high tech video cameras, or other such things. There is a common assumption that security can be found with enough force, enough technology, or enough orderliness.

I think such measures not only fail, but worsen the problem. That is because the problem, simply put, is isolation. Others may call it alienation, apathy, or selfishness, but it points to the same condition. It is isolation that led to the violence perpetrated Monday. Out of isolation also flows fear, distrust, and the desire to keep out what is unknown. There is no doubt a short-term gain from barriers: the so-called Green Zone in Baghdad provided security for the creation of a democratic government. But even the most heavily secured zone in the world could not prevent the recent suicide bombing that took the life of one Iraqi Parliamentarian. Bigger walls don’t solve the problem.

What does? I can’t claim to be certain, but some suggestions I’ve heard and try to practice are: slow down, be late if you must; pay attention to people and the environment as you walk across campus; turn off the cell phone and head phones; smile at strangers (friends and family too); hold doors open; talk to someone about what is on your mind, in person; accept the pain you feel, appreciate this precious moment.

These may seem simplistic and even trite, but try them. They’ll not only make your life better, but also open you to the experiences of other people so that you can improve their lives as well. Imagine the ripple effect. If isolation is at the root of this tragedy, then it goes beyond this tragedy, beyond 9-11, the Iraq War, Oklahoma City, and the rest. It is something that we are faced with everyday, and with each new day comes a new opportunity to confront isolation and open up our hearts.

With deep respect to all teachers, wishes of happiness to all beings, and inspiration from Thich Nhat Hanh and Nacho’s post on this topic

4/22 update: see also Patia’s wonderful, and powerful, post on this.