Despite the popular image of Buddhists mediating in silence, the reality is most Buddhists routinely "get off of the mat" and actively engage in the community. Even for the most contemplative and monastic practitioners, finding ways to help relieve the suffering of others is always a constant practice. This practice is seldom a large-scale public endeavor. On the contrary, it is almost always done in the quiet of one person helping another with compassion and respect.
When I read this week's question, I was reminded of the old "Andy Hardy" movies starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. In (these) dozen or so films, there was always an emergency in the town. Andy and Polly, with great emotion and passion, gathered the community together, put on a stage show, and saved the day. Andy and Polly were lauded as heroes and the paternal Judge Hardy was quite proud. Was the focus of the movies on relieving the suffering or honoring the helpers?
Buddhists tend to avoid the spotlight and the bandwagon approach to emergencies. We will certainly join forces to help, but we are watchful that our help is truly directed at relieving suffering and not creating a source of credit: We don't want to "put on a show" for others. Are Buddhists still helping the fire victims and others in need? Yes. But you won't hear much about it in the media or from Buddhists.
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