We only have a limited time on this precarious earth to make a meaningful difference. We should be heartened with the knowledge that the journey towards progress, peace, and justice never ends. Every day is a new opportunity for learning and growth. The moment our feet touch the pavement, the future becomes brighter. Every time sunlight is shone on a societal evil, the future becomes brighter.
The work of a spiritual activist most surely takes a toll as we struggle to see our vision of a just world become manifest. We may, at times, be charged by negative emotions (anger or righteous indignation, for example) and these attitudes may affect our emotional and spiritual lives; such is the normal course of this work. We need spiritual practice that stabilizes us each day in our sense of purpose, a process of healing, a theology of hope, and a generative outlook, if anything substantial is to be achieved.
Ultimately, this book is only a first step, a primer if you will, on that longer road toward justice and dignity for all. Over the course of these pages, I’ve detailed the characteristics I’ve felt are most pertinent to the pursuit of spiritual activism for the modern activist. And from the outset, the purpose of this book has been my modest attempt to reflect on the teachings from diverse religious and spiritual traditions that might help us lead better and live better. I’ve drawn from sources that are dear to my heart and sources that I found in the course of research for this primer. Although I am a rabbi and deeply attuned to the texts of my faith, it was truly heartening to look beyond the words of my sages and absorb the thoughts of wise people throughout time who have been at the forefront of seeing (and seeking) the bigger picture. Humanity is not meant to live divided, but to stand united amidst our diversity. We are empowered to go beyond our comfort zone to seek the other, to seek the stranger, and to restore the vision of a world brought together through love and peace.
But as long as there are systems in place that want to see inequality and bigotry thrive, the spiritual activist has the privileged opportunity to combat these harmful segments of society with all their might and mental acuity.
Of course, we only achieve victory by acknowledging that before we love others, we must love ourselves and the unique qualities we bring to our endeavors. There is ancient power in this feeling. In the Dao De Jing, the foundational text of Daoism, the sage Laozi writes:
Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power.1
In all we do in the chaotic sphere that is contemporary spiritual activism, we cultivate genuine self-respect for ourselves, for our work, and for the work of others. Certainly, as Dostoevsky writes, ‘If you want to be respected by others the great thing is to respect yourself. Only by that, only by self-respect will you compel others to respect you.’2 Such a precept is vital for long-term growth in cultivating self-esteem and appreciation for all that we are. In all of our moral pursuits, we are to avoid giving primacy to the powerful, the wealthy, and the learned. Instead, we prioritize the most vulnerable. Such work means diverting some time from our own needs and those of our family to focus on those who are struggling, who feel alienation, and who would otherwise be invisible to the bustling crowd.
But what does this spiritual activism work mean on a practical level? At its essence, it means going beyond our mere words in expressing ourselves from the innermost part of souls. Let me tell you a particularly moving example. A dear friend of mine spent many years working with Native American communities as a counselor and physician. Although not of Native American descent, he devoted countless time to being a dedicated servant of the interests and needs of the most vulnerable in this community. In one of his books, he describes the power of appreciation and love. He writes:
[A man] had been admitted to the Santa Fe Indian Hospital with congestive heart failure. I didn’t know that he was the Pueblo priest and clan chief. I only saw an old man in his seventies lying in a hospital bed with oxygen tubes in his nose. Suddenly, there was this beautiful smile, and he asked me, ‘Where did you learn to heal?’ Although I assumed my academic credentials would mean little to the old man, I responded almost by rote, rattling off my medical education, internship, and certification.
Again, the beatific smiles and another question, ‘Do you know how to dance?’ Somehow, touched by whimsy at the old man’s query, I answered that, sure, I like to dance; and I shuffled a little at this bedside. Santiago chuckled, got out of bed, and, short of breath, began to show me his dance. ‘You must be able to dance if you are to heal people,’ he said. ‘And will you teach me your steps?’ I asked, indulging the aging priest. Santiago nodded, ‘Yes, I can teach you my steps, but you will have to hear your own music.’3
That music is the pulse of our activism work. It is the timekeeper of our soul. When we hear this music, we take the time to appreciate the humility infused in every aspect of our being. Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook wrote, ‘Humility is associated with spiritual perfection. When humility effects depression it is defective. When it is genuine, it inspires joy, courage, and inner dignity.’
As we close out our journey together, I want to leave you with one more piece of perspective: In all we set out to achieve, there is remarkable value in approaching partnerships with a certain humility and gratitude. Learning what makes other faiths operate—and how there is common connection in these values—not only builds bridges of empathy, but also expands individual knowledge. We can create social change more deeply and sustainably. Of course, we don’t have to subscribe to others’ faiths, but the spirit of pluralism means we find those points where we agree to foster fruitful partnerships that help society flourish. Indeed, we rejoice at the uniqueness of every person; uniqueness makes us equal. And even more so, recognizing this equality makes us worthy to seek a brighter world.
And with the winds of spiritual progressivism at our back, our path to a brighter world begins now. And as vital as it is to humbly tell our story, as vital as it is to share our dance, and to share our music, we have something concretely unique to give back to the world. Great scientists need to express themselves through equations and theorems, civil rights leaders need to show people the mountaintop of freedom, leaders in labor need to show the dignity of the humble laborer spending countless time gathering the food that we eat, you need to show that the path of your heart guides you toward your ultimate purpose: increased justice and compassion for all of God’s creatures.
The work of the spiritual activist is never complete. That is a humbling thought. For indeed, if the work could be completed, then all is right with the world; we know that this is a fantasy. There will always be elements in society dedicated to sowing discord and animus towards vulnerable populations for gain or power. Our goal is to ensure this never happens. And we do this not with a cynic’s eye towards the worst of humanity, but with our hearts full of love for our fellow, our neighbor, and even our opposition. For, indeed, the process of living a fulfilled life is actualizing our soul’s potential and we can’t achieve this aspiration through a negative lens. As we look out on the landscape of the world today, it is all too easy to see the darkness and retreat into our comfortable bubble. Of course, capitulating to fear is akin to losing a war of attrition. We are to stand up to these forces of darkness and shout ‘No!’ We will not give in! We will not give up! These are the cris de coeur of contemporary activism.
When we hit the streets, our legs should reverberate with the spirit of a thousand songs. When we have the opportunity to give a voice to the voiceless, let us celebrate the indomitable human trait of dignity. And when we take the bold first step to identify problems in the community, may we be blessed with the spiritual courage to create tangible change. Being a spiritual activist gives my life meaning. And to a countless network of thinkers, doers, and dreamers, the heavenly burden of designing campaigns and building movements is a true blessing.
In the coming years, we will find many chances to join together under the canopy of love, peace, and justice. As long as all people are not allowed to grow into their full selves, spiritual activists will be there. As long as certain populations are persecuted, spiritual activists will be there. And as long as there are nefarious interests that seek to exploit vulnerable people, spiritual activists will be there. Not only will spiritual activists be there, our side will prevail because on our side are the traditions which have given humanity meaning, strength, audacity, and faith.
Let the arduous road in front of us be ready for our spirit, because nothing will stop us.