“In the face of war, social injustice,

religious conflict, what difference can I make?

 Can I even make an impact?

The odds are overwhelming. It's pointless.”

Frankly, what matters is that we do what is right, simply because that’s what it is—right.

We refrain from striking another person not because we expect that action will lead to the end of violence, but because not hitting another person is the right thing to do.

We refrain from lying to our spouse or partner not because we think our actions will convince others to be honest, but because being truthful in any relationship is the right way to behave.

We do not ignore a customer because of the color of his skin or the way he speaks. Treating all people equally and with respect is the right way to interact with others.

We refrain from wrongdoing because even if no one will know of the wrong we do—and even if our right actions have absolutely no effect on others—doing something wrong is just plain wrong.

And so, we do what is right.

Don’t focus on what you have done . . .

“Not be attached?

But I’d feel detached!”

Buddhism teaches non-attachment, not detachment. Detachment is unresponsive and devoid of emotions. Non-attachment, however, allows us to experience emotions while not becoming trapped by them. While non-attached, we still care.

But in caring, we don’t discriminate—feeling love for one person and antipathy for another. While non-attached, we also let go of worries and expectations. Fully engaged in what we do, we realize our actions are all we control.

As Master Kuang-ch’in said, “Non-attachment does not mean indifference or carelessness, but rather you should do your best and not worry about the results.”

Neither do we detach from our body. We wisely realize that it’s not permanent, not our true self. It’s a temporary dwelling for this lifetime. In taking care of it, we seek a balance between asceticism and hedonism.

Those I know who are non-attached are some of the most engaged, hard-working, and cheerful people I know. They’re a joy to be around. Just thinking of them makes me smile.