Kuan Yin Day

Tomorrow is Kuan Yin Day. She is the Compassionate Rebel, the Bhodisattva of Compassion. Born to rather unkind parents, Kuan Yin went against her father's wishes, choosing life in a monastery over marriage. Furious, her father burned down the monastery. Extreme. Yet, when he himself lay deathly ill, and could be cured only by the severed arms and eyes of an innocent, she offered up her arms and eyes for the cure. Remembering only his love.

I know I couldn't have done that. Man, that is easier said than done. It seems that even though we do have selective memories, we don't always choose to remember the good, nor to feel compassion. I often forget I have the choice.

Herbalists have an expression: 'Let's use Little Medicine (herbs) to avoid needing Big Medicine (invasive drugs or surgery). We could apply the same thinking to compassion. There is such an overwhelming need for peace on a world level right now, in Tibet, Afghanistan, Iraq. We feel we can do nothing, but it hurts to do nothing. For me, Kuan Yin is a reminder to try to incorporate more compassion into my own thinking. Just to try that ripple effect. And to acknowledge the extraordinary kindness that is shown by others. Here are a few of my favourite compassionate local heroes and their work.

• Beauty Night, "because dignity is beautiful". Founded by Caroline MacGillivray, a Vancouver actress, Beauty Nights are evenings of pampering, massage, makeovers and fun for disadvantaged or indigent women. In seven years, Beauty Night has given more than 8,000 makeovers to women and youth in Vancouver, Victoria and Toronto, and has expanded to include other programs that help with self-esteem and confidence, such as theatre nights and classes. More
  
• Harvest Project, "extending a hand up, not a handout", has a food recovery project, that safely reclaims surplus food , and redistributes it. They are partnering with a community kitchen with a 'learn to cook' program, allowing folks to prepare and take home excellent meals. More
  
• North Shore Womens Centre, like all women's resource centres, doing so much with so little. northshorewomen.ca
  

Much of the work of these places is done by volunteers. Who has time to volunteer anymore? I know, I know. Well, thank goodness someone does. I used to take part, but kinda lost the habit. I could do more again. In fact, if I remember correctly, it feels so good to help out that it'll be rewarding to be there.

Service is often considered a kind of prayer. And it is without denomination, without dogma. Seldom fought over. Something anyone can do. And it feels good. Thanks for the reminder, Kuan Yin.

Happy Kuan Yin Day.