2020 Type of Love
By Anna Tsuchimoto | She/Her/Hers
2020. A year with lots of change, we could say. We find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic, economic downfall, and extreme political polarization. Gives for some very awkward Thanksgiving dinner conversations, I can tell you that.
A change that I have come to witness this year is the fighting. The arguing. The fights over systemic racism, mask mandates, political candidates - I have never seen so much disagreement.
As Buddhists, we pride ourselves in compassion. “I will try to be kind and gentle to every living thing, and protect all who are weaker than myself” (The Golden Chain). The Bible says “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). The Quran says “And create not disorder in the earth after it has been set in order, and call upon Him in fear and hope. Surely, the mercy of Allah is nigh unto those who do good” (Al Quran 7:57). Of course there is interpretation here to what “good” means in the Quran, but I interpret it as doing something, unselfishly, to help those around you.
I specifically mention these quotes from these different religions to show that most of us agree that we should spread kindness and love to each other. Most of us have this very important, yet simple, principle in mind that we should be kind to others.
So why do so many disagree with the mask mandates, the stay-at-home policies, and everything that comes with COVID-19?
We continue to see the number of cases and deaths rising here in the US, reaching record numbers of positive tests day after day. As of the day I am writing this, the United States alone has had over 15 million positive cases of COVID-19 (CDC COVID Data Tracker).
While yes, I am just a 19-year-old girl. I live at home with my parents while attending a university in another state, seeing no more than my dog and my sisters each day. I have no pre-existing health conditions. I am not an essential worker. I am, well, “normal.” But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do my part in protecting others.
The stay-at-home orders and mask mandates are so important if we ever want to see an end to this pandemic. Of course, I’d rather be partying it up on Frat Row right now, enjoying the rest of my teenage life before “real” responsibilities get to me.
But I know my place. And right now, my place is at home. Away from others. Wearing a mask. STAYING AT HOME.
Wondering what the youth input is on the situation, I asked a second grader from my home temple in Denver what she thought. Ellie says “It’s important to wear a mask because it keeps you safe from others and others safe from you. It’s important to stay at home because you might
be sick and not know when you go see others, you might get them sick too.” Yes, it is hard not seeing my grandparents, spending limited time with friends, not being on my college campus enjoying life - I acknowledge this. There is nothing better in this world than sharing love with one another.
But right now, in 2020, in this pandemic, the best way we can share love is by keeping each other safe.
We can utilize the technology we have available to us today to keep up with our family and friends, take up a new hobby, reflect on how important our health is, telling each other how much we love each other each and every day.
Whether you agree with the stay-at-home orders or not, I hope we can all agree that we should spread love to others. But I hope more come to realize that the best way to do this right now is from afar.
Namo Amida Butsu
