Ashoka
"Yes, And” Mentality
“Holleran, the pastor of the Church of Notre Dame in Morningside Heights, practices “double belonging,” a term coined by Paul Knitter in his 2009 book “Without Buddha, I Could Not Be a Christian.” Knitter, a former Catholic priest and a major influence on many Catholics who subscribe to Buddhist ideology, insists the two faiths are not in conflict.” “In services at the Church of Notre Dame, he doesn’t mention Buddhism, keeping the two faiths separate. But on Wednesdays, he leads the Dragon’s Eye Zendo, or meditation hall, via Zoom, where he often brings in Christian Scripture or tells the story of Catholic figures.”
Ashoka insight
Often in comedy improv shows we see the technique of “piggybacking” on another person’s comment by starting our intervention with the words “yes, and”. This is a way of enabling ideas to grow because instead of stopping the creative flow to critique what the other person is saying, by using “yes,and” we focus on enhancing what is useful and rich in those ideas. This ability is also valued in innovation spaces for that same reason.
We consider it crucial to develop this mentality when it comes to the intersection of changemaking and faith (or spirituality) because of the potential for growth that is unleashed when we acknowledge that everyone is a changemaker, and we are open to listen and collaborate together, across diversity.
What can I learn from other ways of being faithful or spiritual?
What practices and new concepts am I inspired by other spiritual practices and faith traditions to incorporate into my worldview?