The Song of the Two-Headed Bird

As the 2024 General Election quickly approaches, we find our nation bitterly divided and consumed by the fires of greed, hatred, and ignorance. Shinran Shōnin, the founder of Shin Buddhism, writes in the Hymns of the Dharma-Ages:

Ignorance, and blind passions abound,
Pervading everywhere like innumerable particles of dust.
Desire and hatred arising out of conflict and accord
Are like high peaks and mountain ridges.

Despite being written eight hundred years ago, these words continue to shed light on the stark reality of the human condition in which we cause suffering for ourselves and others.

It often feels as if we are living in vastly different worlds from each other. This clash of perspectives and values has led to the dehumanization of those we disagree with. The pain and hurt we continue to inflict on each other results in mutual harm. In our attachment to winning and being “right” at all costs, we have lost sight of our shared humanity. Despite our differences, we share one community, one nation, and one world. We are one human family, and our lives are inextricably bound together.

The motto “E Pluribus Unum” can be found on the Great Seal of the United States. It means “Out of many, one” and originated from the concept that out of the union of the original Thirteen Colonies emerged a new single nation. “Out of many, one” also signifies the beautiful patchwork quilt that is America. It recognizes there is a diversity of race, religion, creed, sexual orientation and gender identity, political affiliation, abilities, and a multitude of other identities which together ennoble and strengthen our society. This diversity is the foundation of America where our differences are respected and celebrated, realizing that we share a common destiny as Americans.

As such, we should honor our disagreements with mutual respect and goodwill. If we approach conflict with an open heart and mind, we can discover greater understanding and creative solutions to our many problems within that tension. The revered patron of Buddhism in Japan Shōtoku Taishi offers guidance for dealing with conflict. He advised:

Let us cease from wrath, and refrain from angry looks. Nor let us be resentful when others differ from us. For all beings have hearts, and each heart has its own leanings. Their right is our wrong, and our right is their wrong. We are not unquestionable sages, nor are they unquestionably fools. We are both simply ordinary beings.

Prince Shōtoku reminds us of the fundamental truth of how our very existence lies within our relationship with others. When we deeply reflect on who and what we are, we come to realize our profound connection and mutual dependence on all things. This is Shakyamuni Buddha’s teaching of interdependence and what he viewed as the proper relationship between self and others. The Buddhist practice of metta or loving-kindness begins with the self and extends to all beings including those we have difficulty with. What is harmful to one person will probably be harmful to others. What is good for one person will probably be good for others. This is how we should cultivate much-needed empathy and manifest compassion to help heal our troubled nation and world.

Buddhist scriptures are filled with stories that share lessons for living wisely and compassionately. In the Amida Sutra, there is a beautiful two-headed bird named Gumyōchō which lives in the Pure Land. Meaning “shared life,” the Gumyōchō is said to have a beautiful voice that sings the Dharma, leading those who listen to its song to enlightenment.

According to legend, the bird’s two heads had vastly different personalities and desires. When one head was sleepy, the other one wanted to play. When one head was hungry, the other one wanted to rest. Eventually, the two heads began to resent and hate each other.

One day while one of the heads was sleeping, the other feasted on delicious fruits and flowers until he was stuffed. When the sleeping head awoke, he wanted to eat too, but he was already full because they shared one stomach. He was angry that he could not enjoy any of the food. He took revenge by secretly poisoning the other head resulting in its death. However, he also suffered and died because they shared the same body.

The way which destroys others also destroys oneself. The way which keeps others alive also keeps oneself alive.

As he was dying, the head realized how foolish he had been. While he resented his other head, he failed to recognize that his own life depended on it. Just the same, by harming his other head, he was also harming himself. In the Pure Land, the Gumyōchō sings the following, “The way which destroys others also destroys oneself. The way which keeps others alive also keeps oneself alive.” Through this story, the Buddha teaches that we are all living a life of mutual dependence.

We should deeply reflect on our shared life as one nation and one human family. We must do all that we can to heal our divisions and to mend our brokenness. Whether we like it or not, our lives are profoundly connected. We can either grow and thrive together or we can wither and die together.

Like the two-headed bird, our collective destiny depends on each of us. Will we choose compassion and love or fear and hate? Community and mutual benefit or individualism and self-interest? The protection of freedoms or the stripping of rights? Collective governance or authoritarian rule? Our democracy hangs in the balance. What will we choose to do?

May we always act guided by the light of all-inclusive wisdom and all-embracing compassion on our shared journey together. Namo Amida Butsu.

♦

This article first appeared on Rev. Blayne Higa’s Buddhist blog, “Hearing the Light: Thoughts on Dharma and Life,” on October 28th, 2024 and was republished with permission.