Don’t call me a Buddhist

Buddhist
I was thinking today about separation of people based on so many perceptions, belief systems and ideologies.
And I realized that by attaching a label of Buddhist to myself, I only perpetuate this type of separation.
I am merely a human being. The same as the Pope, Barack Obama, Prince William, Osama bin Laden, and even the Buddha.
We are each capable of limitless love and compassion, just as we are also capable of doing great harm to one another.
Eliminating labels is a good way to bring down one of the walls that gives us a feeling of exclusivity or superiority.
I am merely a student of the dhamma, just as I am a student of this life experience. Each day is a lesson, and a gift.
And are we not all students in this life?
Perhaps you do not study the teachings of the Buddha, but are you loving, kind and compassionate? Is this the intention of your life?
Then we are on the same path, the same journey. It doesn’t matter what color your skin, or the church you attend. It doesn’t concern me what your political stance is. I don’t care if you are rich or poor, young or old.
We are all in this World together, and connected by the earth we stand on and the air that we breathe. We each have hearts and minds, thoughts and emotions, and not a one of us is without suffering.
The dhamma teaches that the most noble state of existence is to live for the benefit of all other beings.
I have a strong determination to reach this state of compassion and equanimity (upekkha).
And it is important that you understand that I have no expectation of you, I simply accept you as you are.
And remember, I am not a Buddhist, I am just David.

Thank you for sharing this life with me, and may you always be well, happy and peaceful.