The Engaged Buddhist Election Retreat Guide

By Edwin Herzog and the Engaged Buddhist Election Retreat Organizing Committee: Stan Dewey, Rob Lyons, , Laurie Senauke, Susan Moon, and Edwin Herzog Edited by Susan Moon The Engaged Buddhist Election Retreat Guide

Zendo altar from 2006 Election Retreat, Stockton, CA

By Edwin Herzog Edited by Susan Moon Photo Editor: Ko Blix

The Engaged Buddhist Election Retreat Organizing Committee: Stan Dewey, Rob Lyons, Laurie Senauke, Hozan Alan Senauke, Susan Moon, and Edwin Herzog

For more information contact our website electionretreat.org; or email us at [email protected] CONTENTS

Preface 2

Introduction 4

Outreach 8

Housing and Hosts 9

The Schedule as a Container 11 Group shot: Election Retreat 2016 in Carson City, NV

Why Practice? 12

Dear Political Activists and Engaged Buddhists, Building a 13 Our intention with this guide is to offer you an Engaged Buddhist Election Retreat framework. This model has helped steer us through five Work Positions 15 election retreats since 2004. We offer it to you to help you define, design, and put in motion your own election retreat. Political Candidates 21 Our election retreats have all been in support of particular Canvassing 23 campaigns and candidates, but this model can also be used to support other actions and coalitions, such as voter registration, gun control, advocating for single-payer health care, or ending fracking. Challenges and Joys 29 Good luck! “We have chanted the Wisdom beyond Wisdom PREFACE Heart and the Metta of Maylie … has been conspicuously ready to accept or ignore the inequalities Scott. and tyrannies of whatever political system it found itself under. This can We have also worked be death to Buddhism, because it is death to any meaningful function of together for 14 days, compassion. Wisdom without compassion feels no pain…The mercy of the collectively, to get out the West has been social revolution; the mercy of the East has been individual vote. insight into the basic self/void. We need both. We have knocked on 3093 doors, talked —Gary Snyder, from Earth House Hold, (New Directions, 1969). to 1063 people, and encouraged 598 votes. Gary Snyder’s prescient words form election cycles, going door to door Impact: immeasurable. a foundation for what we have to support values and candidates In our temporary Iris come to call . who, at the very least, might be able Street Sangha, we have sat and sung together, Living in the West, we are shaped to create possibilities of greater talk in the Carson City by principles of social justice. One freedom. In some campaigns we eaten and cleaned cannot be free when others are suf- have tasted electoral victory. In oth- together. fering and oppressed. So it is natu- ers we have reckoned with loss. But By car and on foot, we have journeyed in pairs in Carson City, Reno, ral that the adaptive and liberative in every case our common medi- and Douglas County, sharing the belief that it makes a difference to teachings of Buddhism fold in these tation and action have bound us vote, and that our democracy is still alive. principles, just as Buddhism has closer to each other in community, We offer great gratitude to Richard, Wendy, Max and Watson always been influenced by the cul- and brought us into connection Thornley, for opening their home and their hearts; to Stan, Ed, and Rob tures and philosophies it has come with so many other like-minded for organizing us, to Tamar for nourishing us, and to the many others in contact with. people. Win or lose, we have not who have made our work here possible. Principles of democracy, equal- been silent. Long ago the Buddha We honor the good intentions of Hillary Clinton, Catherine Cortez ity, and justice are not absent from walked through northern India Masto, and Chip Evans. the earliest Buddhist teachings and from city to town to village for We dedicate the of our sincere effort, yes, sincere effort, to communities. But as our “election thirty-five years, speaking wherever all beings who will be affected by this election, which, because of ” has evolved over more than he stopped to rest. You have to say interconnectedness, is all beings on this planet. a decade, we have creatively found something. We remember, as Fannie Lou Hamer said, that no one is free until a way to integrate and everyone is free. social practice in our U.S. electoral —Hozan Alan Senauke Whatever the outcome of this election, we dedicate the merit of our Berkeley, California effort together to the ongoing work for peace and justice for all.” environment. This little book col- October 2017 lects our experience through five —Sue Moon, Service dedication on election day morning November 8, 2016, Carson City, Nevada

2 3 election year. As Buddhists we were spiritual component. What could faced with an urgent dilemma: how we do to transform our anger at to bring our practice and social injustice into action and involve activism together to save all beings ourselves in the electoral process in this time of war? in a form that was framed by our There we were, living in the San spiritual values? Francisco Bay Area, in our Berkeley We had dinner together and bubble, a center of liberal politics took the first steps toward map- in a reliably blue state. We felt that ping out a plan. We decided to call presidential and congressional ourselves the Election Retreat Plan- elections, though seriously flawed, ning Committee. We envisioned afforded us an opportunity to elect an Engaged Buddhist Retreat that politicians who supported at least would bring together engaged Bud- some of our agenda: health care dhists who wanted to volunteer in for all, ending the death penalty, the 2004 presidential election. We First Engaged Buddhist Election Retreat organizers Ed Herzog (l), Stan Dewey protecting the environment, cutting decided to model it on the Soto and Melody Ermachild Chavis in Corvallis Oregon. the out-of-control military budget, meditation retreat, or sesshin, that and ending the Iraq war. we were familiar with from years INTRODUCTION We had all embraced the Bod- of Zen practice. (See Appendix G, hisattva vow to save all beings. But Engaged Buddhist Election Retreat The first Engaged Buddhist Elec- forms of nonviolent social activism. we felt that sitting on our cushions Chronology) tion Retreat took place in 2004. Edwin was a labor organizer/ was not enough and that doing In the Soto Zen Buddhist tradi- The country was deeply enmeshed filmmaker with extensive experi- nothing only led to despair. Many tion, are periods of intensive in the Iraq war, and George Bush ence in electoral get-out-the-vote of our friends were traveling to red practice, lasting from a few days to Jr. ruled in his fourth year as efforts. Melody was an author and states to participate in the election, a week . Starting at 5 a.m., partici- president. The idea of an Election private investigator specializing but these efforts did not include a pants sit numerous periods of Retreat emerged during an infor- in death penalty cases. Stan was (meditation), eat formal, mal conversation in the Berkeley an appellate defense attorney who silent meals in the zendo (see Zen Center courtyard following a had been involved in the National Appendix H, oryoki meals), Saturday program of zazen, service, Lawyers Guild, the anti-apartheid chant, work, and do walking and lecture. The three organizers of movement, and Central American meditation, until 9 p.m. No the first Engaged Buddhist Elec- support efforts. talking allowed, much less tion Retreat—Stan Dewey, Melody We were freaked out by the war political organizing! During Ermachild Chavis and Edwin in Iraq. We knew it was a big mis- the sesshin itself, participants’ Herzog—were all committed Zen take with unforeseen consequences. attention is not directed out- students and active members of the We had marched against it from the ward to others but within; at Buddhist Peace Fellowship (BPF), beginning and gotten arrested in the same time the intention is a national network of engaged civil disobedience actions in Wash- to bring body and mind into Buddhists participating in various ington and San Francisco. It was an harmony with others. Could we integrate this Zendo in Corvallis, Oregon 4 5 coming election; • Be involved in a local congres- sional election, develop a rela- tionship with the local candi- date, and use the local political infrastructure and our selected local candidate’s field operation to help get out the vote; • Be independent and unaf- filiated with any particular Our Photo Editor Ko Blix, canvassing Buddhist center or religious in Carson City, Nevada organization; • Make a schedule and stick to it; intense, internal, spiritual experi- • Be self-funded through contri- ence with the topsy-turvy world butions from participants and of electoral politics? We decided to supporters. We gather prior to walking in the Nevada Day Parade create a daily schedule that brack- That first year, after researching eted our political work during the our options, we decided to go to the day with Zen practice. swing state of Oregon, where we This is from our first letter to friends and fellow engaged Buddhists, Morning and evening practice could support the Kerry/Edwards inviting them to join us in this first Engaged Buddhist Election Retreat: sessions would use a modified form campaign, and work for Democrat- of the Soto Zen Sesshin model, ic Congresswoman Darlene Hooley, August 8, 2004 including periods of zazen, services whom Republicans had targeted as and chants adapted from the Soto one of the most vulnerable, pro- Dear Buddhist activist friends, Zen form, vegetarian meals, and gressive Democrats in Congress. oryoki-style eating. Please consider volunteering in a swing state to campaign for During the day we would the Kerry/Edwards ticket. A group of members of the Berkeley Zen volunteer to work with a political Center’s socially engaged dharma group have organized an Engaged organization. This meant we would Buddhist Election Sesshin (retreat) for the last two weeks in October in intentionally go into unfamiliar Central Oregon and you are invited to join us for three or more days neighborhoods to talk with strang- during that time. We are not totally satisfied with the Democrats, but ers about issues and candidates. in keeping with our vows to save all beings, we aim to reduce harm by Instead of the silence and internal ending the Bush/Cheney regime. focus of a traditional sesshin, we As engaged Buddhists we feel a need to take a stand, to work to- would step into the world and en- ward saving all beings, and—when it comes to elections—to do what gage with people. we can to support candidates who through their actions and political We decided on the following positions are closer to the Buddhist ideals and to do our best to reverse principles and actions: America’s policies of war and destruction of the earth. Phyllis Meshulam wearing her suffrag- • Travel to a swing district–out ette banner prior to GOTV on 2016 of state, if necessary–in the election day in Carson City, NV

6 7 OUTREACH HOUSING AND HOSTS

Our next step was to get the word notices to their members. The re- Finding housing and an election lene Hooley, in spite of Republican out to other Buddhist practitioners. sponse we received was overwhelm- retreat host was our next step. efforts to defeat her. We also helped We combined email lists and sent ingly positive. We wanted a house that was large carry the state of Oregon for Kerry. notices to many Bay Area Buddhist It turned out we had touched a enough to sleep at least a dozen In 2006, we decided to work to centers. We also printed up leaflets, nerve. Many people had a strong participants. If there were more replace Richard Pombo, the ultra- posted them, and passed them out desire to do something to stop the than that, they could stay in tents or conservative incumbent congress- at local Zen centers. (See Appendix Iraq war and participate in a po- motels. We needed a large room for man in the central California dis- A, for another sample ­letter) litical action that was, at the same a zendo, a kitchen large enough to trict around Stockton. A supportive We felt our prime audience was time, based on Buddhist values and allow our tenzo (cook) to prepare property owner allowed us to stay engaged Buddhists. The Bay Area- practices. We had enough people meals for up to twenty people, and in a vacant house with a backyard centered Buddhist Peace Fellowship who wanted to attend. We were on an eating area where we could eat studio that we converted into a endorsed our effort and emailed our way! comfortably together. And it had to zendo. Midway through the retreat, be very cheap or, better yet, free. the landlord offered us a second For our first election retreat house next door so everyone could we stayed on an organic farm in sleep indoors instead of in tents or Corvallis, Oregon, whose own- in nearby motels. ers were friends of Melody’s. They The house was so comfortable generously invited us to stay for and quiet that Jerry McNerny, the free. We practiced zazen and took congressional candidate we were our meals in a large cob house. supporting, often visited during the Some of us slept in the house and day for a quiet respite from cam- others camped out on their land in paigning. He won the election by a trailers, tents, and inside their green slim margin, partly thanks to our house. We rented porta-potties intense work on his behalf. to spare our hosts’ septic tanks. In 2008, we went to the swing Though it often rained, the farm in state of Nevada to work for then rural Oregon was idyllic. Presidential Candidate Barack Around thirty brave souls joined Obama and congressional hopeful us in Oregon over the two–week Jill Derby. A Zen practitioner and period. At most there were twelve his family in Carson City offered of us at once. Though the Kerry/ their house and hosted us for two Edwards ticket lost, and the Iraq weeks, and it was one of our most

We hear political updates prior to canvassing in Nevada War continued, we helped re-elect ideal locations. The house already four-term Congresswoman Dar- had a zendo that was used by a

8 9 THE SCHEDULE AS A CONTAINER

Work circle in Stockton, CA 2006

We model our sesshin schedule on canvassing. We usually encourage our Bay Area Soto Zen Centers. We people to pair up with someone Hanging out in our host house in Carson City, NV 2008 devote the morning and evening to they don’t know well. This allows practice. On a typical day we sound folks to establish new relationships the clappers at 6:30 in the morning, with other retreat participants and small, local practice community. their beautiful home to us. They and sit two forty-minute periods of helps build a close-knit sangha. Because the family supported permitted their lives to be taken zazen with ten minutes of walking Around 6:30 pm we return both our spiritual and political over by people sleeping on their meditation in between. This is fol- from canvassing, eat dinner at 7:00, goals, they bent over backwards to floors and couches, people filling lowed by a brief service in which we sit one period of zazen, chant the accommodate us; they occasion- their wonderful kitchen, people bow and chant the Heart Sutra and refugees, and turn in around 10. ally ate dinner with us, sat zazen, stuffed into their dining area, Maylie’s Scott’s Metta Prayer. (See In traditional Zen fashion, we ask and joined us for canvassing. Eight people perhaps disturbing their Appendix C, Daily Schedule and Ap- participants to stick to the schedule years later, in 2016, we reached sleep with snoring. When I left on pendix E, Zendo Chants) as best they can as it creates a con- out to them again as we planned October 31, with another week of We eat a silent breakfast, and per- tainer of trust and safety. If folks our next election retreat, and they the sesshin remaining, they were form assigned household chores. come and go, or choose to do only invited us back. still smiling, us more and On some mornings we have a the activities or work positions they As Judy Bertelsen, one of our more. They are a bunch of from a senior prac- prefer, it disturbs the solidarity and 2016 participants wrote: “The .” titioner, followed by discussion. interconnectedness we are trying stunningly generous family opened Next, we pack bag lunches, and to build. With everyone’s whole- meet in a group circle to discuss the hearted participation, the schedule day ahead. We pair up for precinct becomes second nature, allowing us walking, and leave to report to the to concentrate fully on our practice local campaign headquarters for and our political organizing.

10 11 WHY PRACTICE? BUILDING A SANGHA

internal baggage, views, and pre- During the election retreat, we face Though we come from different ferred outcomes. Practice helps us the daunting challenge of dropping places and backgrounds, we form cultivate kindness and equanimity, into an unfamiliar place, and talk- bonds and friendships around our and encourages a non-dualistic, ing to strangers on a daily basis. To common Buddhist practice. It’s how open-hearted attitude while engaged help us during these two weeks we we support each other through dif-­ in the extremely dualistic, us-versus- create sangha. It permeates every- ficulties, illnesses, injuries, personal them world of electoral politics. thing we do. troubles, exultations, exhaustion, In past retreats, several Zen priests and lay teachers offered dharma talks to aid us in our endeavors. These talks help set a grounded mood and encouraging tone, while also reinforcing and sustaining our During an Election Retreat, we go practice. In discussions following the out every afternoon and encounter talks, we have a chance to go over dozens of strangers on the street, difficulties and joys we encounter on on porches, and in front yards to the campaign trail. Volunteers often talk about complex, sensitive, and have similar concerns, especially sometimes controversial issues. Does when facing people we don’t know it matter, while doing the tiring and and who might want us off their often difficult job of canvassing in porch as quickly as possible. out-of-the-way neighborhoods, Practice makes us more available what we are feeling and how we for sincere contact in each en- present ourselves? If we are not at counter. It cultivates an attitude of peace internally how can we create curiosity and helps us to put aside peace in the world? Are we so fixed our judgments. It helps us avoid “I loved it that we changed partners each day, so that I could on positive outcomes and votes for arguments about who is right and pound the pavement with various amazing people from far and wide. our particular candidate that we who is wrong. When we approach Spending a long afternoon driving from house to house, sitting in forget our interdependence and the people with a sense of our com- the car eating your bag lunches, looking desperately for a place with value of the individual standing mon humanity there is a feeling of a bathroom, deciding together whether to approach a house where right in front of us? lightness. It’s more likely that our a large dog is barking fiercely at the window, you get to know each We find that a daily spiritual conversations will not stray into an- other pretty well.” practice helps us deal with these ger and the people we meet will feel –Sue Moon issues, even as we acknowledge our heard by us.

12 13 WORK POSITIONS

All retreat participants have daily responsibility. work positions. We sign up each Following are the core positions day to wash dishes, clean bath- and their responsibilities, as we rooms, sweep, restock the tea and have arranged them, but of course coffee area, empty out the garbage they could be revised, combined, or cans, and take care of the zendo. As shared as needed. practicing Buddhists, most of us have participated in retreats where Retreat Coordinator there is a daily work period. Work, The retreat coordinator holds as any Zen student will tell you, is the vision and overview of the and even, in one case, a car accident. social change. It’s one of the most an essential aspect of practice. It’s retreat. The retreat coordinator is It’s how we cultivate flexibility, meaningful parts of the retreat. also a way of cultivating camarade- the liaison with the hosts and keeps compassion, and equanimity. When people work together for so- rie, essential to a smoothly run- the retreat flowing. S/he must be Sangha practice is not easy but cial justice, they often make a deep ning retreat. (See Appendix D work comfortable with leading group it’s the source of much joy and po- connection. They bond through positions) meetings, must be able to stay calm litical strength. It allows us to act as sitting zazen together, eating meals The planning committee divided in a crisis, and must also be able to one group, builds strength in num- together, and walking the pavement the responsibilities of running the delegate responsibilities. bers, and fuels our commitment for together in heat or rain. Election Retreat into five main po- Well before the retreat begins, sitions: Retreat Coordinator, Politi- the coordinator invites the Bud- cal Director, House Manager/Trea- dhist community to come to the surer, Zendo Manager, and Tenzo. retreat. S/he is the convener and Given the many details in running contact person. S/he must be on a retreat, it was necessary for the top of everything, including job people in these positions to check descriptions and lists, schedules, in with each other every day to iron and sign-up sheets. out any difficulties and tensions as Visiting our hosts and campaign problems need to be addressed as contacts before the retreat is a must quickly as possible. in order to get the house organized. The three of us who were the The coordinator also works closely core 2016 retreat organizers met with the zendo manager to help three months before the retreat. maintain the spiritual tone of the Even though we had organized retreat, including arranging dharma five retreats already, it was still a talks. S/he is also the primary time time-consuming and intense keeper and lets folks know when to

14 15 wake up or come to an event or four different places to stay: they meeting by striking wooden clackers. could commute from home if it was nearby, stay in a hotel or tent, or sleep inside the house. We required a minimum of three days It’s a challenge to keep attendance. This helped create everyone together. For many community and avoid too many retreat participants it’s the comings and goings, which puts a first time they have actively strain on a small group. It also usu- engaged in a political cam- ally takes at least one day for folks paign with others and so they to become acclimated. (Carson City need to be educated on how to sits around 5,000 feet above sea canvass neighborhoods. Modified oryoki meal, Carson City, NV 2016 level which caused a bit of light- But when election time headedness and fatigue for some.) comes around, it’s great to Retreat, we asked each participant speakers. Participants also had to be oriented have something to do together, to pay only $12/day for food and The Zendo Manager tries to and trained for canvassing. As a re- something so all consuming we reimbursed drivers for mileage cultivate a feeling of harmony and sult, we gave priority to people who and exciting, especially work- and gas incurred during canvass- peace in the zendo so that retreat could stay longer. ing with new people. We build ing. The treasurer created a sepa- attendees feel welcomed and Before participants arrive, each a “Buddhist cadre” of folks rate checking account and ATM supported, receives a “what to bring” sheet. and good feelings spring forth card for our tenzo to buy groceries. Upon arrival they are given an from that. We asked that participants pay by Tenzo orientation by the house manager. check so we could keep an accurate As in all Zen retreats, the po- —Stan Dewey, 2016 Election On our last retreat this included a Retreat Coordinator record. sition of tenzo, or head cook, is schedule, job descriptions, tour of Our treasurer also created a central. One person usually takes the house and zendo, sitting prac- database with information for each on this position, though sometimes tice schedule, sleeping options, and participant, including their home it has been shared. Food shopping House Manager/Treasurer parking instructions. Each person sangha, emergency contact infor- and cooking two meals a day for Our house manager coordinates receives an orientation booklet with mation, retreat payment record, a dozen or so people is a full-time everyone’s arrivals and departures essential phone numbers, schedule, and a short bio. position. An army only goes as far from the retreat. In Nevada our and comings and goings chart. (See as its stomach will carry it, and it’s house manager set up an Excel Appendix B , Things to bring on the Zendo Manager the same with an Election Retreat. spreadsheet, which documented Election Retreat). The Zendo Manager, prepares People who have taken on this arrival and departure dates and We combined the jobs of the zendo for morning and evening important position are true bod- accommodations. He also coordi- treasurer and house manager but zazen, insuring the comfort of all. hisattvas. nated the number of attendees with these could be done by two dif- S/he takes care of the altar, and The tenzo plans and cooks break- the tenzo, so that she knew each ferent people. The treasurer keeps coordinates and staffs the different fast and dinner and supervises bag day how many mouths we needed track of all finances. Because we zendo practice positions, including lunch set-up. S/he must, with the to feed. (See appendix F) were partially funded by supporters the chant leader and the bell ringer. support and flexibility of the host, In Carson City, attendees had who had donated to the Election S/he also arranges for dharma take over the kitchen. In Carson

16 17 Political Director The political director is our point person with the community and the political organization that we affiliate ourselves with. S/he en- sures we receive political training, necessary materials, and precinct lists for canvassing, as appropriate. The political director keeps in constant contact with the local political operation and ensures We hear former President Bill Clinton rev up the troops in Stockton, CA 2006 that sangha members are informed

about new political developments Sue Moon and Barbara Selfridge, City, our tenzo was ably assisted by then we break silence with a bell and training. Whoever is present on Carson City Democratic HQ a rotating crew of three dishwash- and conversation begins. Breakfast the first day of the retreat receives Carson City, NV 2016 ers and up to two food prep helpers and dinner are prime times for us training at the local campaign and getting a taste of the campaign who took off early from canvassing to relax, get to know each other headquarters. We can then train operation, especially those who to help her. Generally, the tenzo does better, and build sangha. retreat participants who arrive on have never participated in a get- not participate in the political part subsequent days so that neither out-the-vote political effort. It was of the sesshin. However, some ten- campaign staff nor volunteers have also inspiring to meet the volunteer zos, if they choose, canvass part time “The Tenzo needs to have to spend valuable campaign time staffers at the local Democratic and leave early to return to prepare physical and mental stamina on training. campaign headquarters. These were the evening meal. to maintain a 14-day prep However, most people enjoy ordinary people who believe in Meals are vegetarian and simple. and cooking schedule. She meeting the local political staff democracy and were working hard Our Carson City tenzo used about also has to be flexible and not five simple soup recipes, and we too ambitious about what to tried to accommodate those people make. It was a lovely experi- with food sensitivities as much ence for me though I felt a as possible. All meals were gener- little left out not partaking in ally gluten free, vegan, with dairy the political part of the sesshin. offered as a side dish. We were also To do both would have been fortunate that local friends of the too much for me. However, I election retreat often donated soups felt I made a contribution to and desserts. the effort to elect Catherine For meals, we sit at tables and Masto, even if I was not walk- we eat in a modified Zen oryoki ing precincts.” style with three bowls. We offer an –Tamar Enoch, abbreviated meal chant, and eat in 2016 Election Sesshin Tenzo silence for the first half of the meal; Going over political materials prior to canvassing Carson City, NV 2008

18 19 POLITICAL CANDIDATES

When defining your election retreat, organic farm in Corvallis. He invited you must decide what politician us to stay, and we were in business. or cause to support and where you Wherever we go we establish a want to go. relationship with local candidates Before we commit to help some- and their campaign staff. Volun- one, we investigate candidates whom teers are the mother’s milk of any we feel comfortable supporting. For political campaign, Generally, the our first election retreat, Oregon was staff and candidates have been very We prepare to go out canvassing at Jill Derby’s HQ, Reno, NV, 2008 a presidential swing state. Democratic positive. Like all politicians, their Representative Darlene Hooley was a campaigns depend on volunteers for that belief, with passion and representative Darlene Hooley liberal Democrat who had voted like us to win, and so of course they commitment. invited us on stage at her GOTV against the war and had a great are happy when we show up with a In 2016, a group of us went to event. record on women’s and gay rights, sizeable and dedicated team. the Democratic Party office in the An important quality for the veteran’s protections, and the envi- small town of Gardnerville, around political director is flexibility. S/he ronment. We realized that it would half an hour outside of Carson must be able to come up with cre- be impossible to find the perfect City, to be trained in canvassing. ative solutions to changing condi- candidate, but we decided to accept The office was in a big room in the tions on the ground. For example, a person who we felt comfortable back of a beauty shop, in a wooden in Carson City Halloween is nearly supporting and who was electable. house turned office building. This a state holiday. Children and adults We went to Oregon to meet with was grassroots work! flood the neighborhoods, making Hooley’s staff. They welcomed us. During many sesshins, we have canvassing at night nearly impossi- Encouraged, we looked for a place to been invited to attend local political ble. We had to quit early in order to stay. Melody had a friend living on an events. In Nevada we participated avoid colliding with young ghosts Above: Ko Blix congratulates victorious Congressman Jerry McNerney 2006 in the local Nevada Day parade and goblins on the doorstep. Below: We walk with then Nevada senatorial candidate Katherine Cortez-Masto on Nevada Day 2016 down Carson City’s main street, On Election Day in 2016, in walking behind senatorial candi- coordination with the Democratic date Catherine Cortez Masto, to Party in Carson City, we reported cheers from Masto supporters and early to drop off door hangers to jeers from Trump supporters. In identified supporters, reminding Stockton in 2006, we were on the them to vote. We spent the rest of stage with former President Clinton the day canvassing from our lists as he rallied the troops to get out to get out the vote, until the polls the vote for McNerney. In Oregon, closed at 8 pm.

20 21 CANVASSING

The local campaign staff provides organization to focus our energies us with training, precinct lists for on Reno. But when we got there canvassing, and campaign literature. it turned out they were swamped The neighborhoods where they with folks from California. There is send us—for canvassing, placing nothing more frustrating than visit- door hangers, or registering vot- ing houses that have been visited ers—often change depending on two or three times already. People the campaign’s needs, and so we are are tired of seeing canvassers and in daily contact. often don’t answer the door, even In Nevada in 2016 we were if they are at home. So instead of asked by the Democratic state working out of the Reno Demo-

My first day canvassing, I was sent with my friend Cornelia to a development of modest homes in the township of Gardnerville, south of Carson City. This was Cornelia’s first experience at knocking on doors and asking people to vote. One door was answered by a young woman with a baby on her hip and two very small boys holding on to her legs. She didn’t speak much English, and neither of us speaks Spanish, but we showed her our flyer with a picture of Catherine Cortez Masto and Hillary Clinton. She nodded and smiled and told us in simple words, flushed with excitement, that she couldn’t vote but that her husband had just registered to vote and that he had already voted for the first time in his life, for the Democratic ticket. She was eager to tell us this. We all nodded and grinned at each other, and we said, “Yes, voting is great! It’s wonderful that he voted! It makes a difference! Maybe Cath- erine Cortez Masto will be the first Latina senator! The vote is precious, maybe you will vote the next time…” and so on, as if we were congratu- lating her on a new baby. After we said good-bye to her and her children, Cornelia said, “I didn’t realize how good it would feel to talk to people about voting. The right to vote really means something! I’m so glad I’m doing this!” And so was I. –Sue Moon

Enthusiastic canvasser in Stockton, CA 2006

22 23 “How do you maintain your equanimity and openness to those who disagree with you? As never before, I found myself having to let go of my expectations and long-held views to focus on my breath. What helped me was the environment. Whenever I canvass, I enjoy walking in neighborhoods I have never visited. And northern Nevada is particu- larly magnificent. The small towns we canvassed abutted the Sierras. In between house visits, I would gaze up from the quiet sidewalks we walked and take in the surrounding mountain peaks and their breath- taking beauty, white with freshly fallen snow. “Taking a moment to notice my surroundings filled me with joy, helped set a positive tone for my house visits, and enabled me to frame my discussions with openness and a sense of shared humanity. I think Keeping track of numbers of knocks and contacts we made this attitude contributed to the response I received. Most folks, even if their political views were very different from mine, were appreciative cratic Party office, we decided to that I had taken the time and energy to engage with them and listen to stay local and align ourselves with what they had to say.” –Edwin Herzog the smaller office in Carson City, “Door-to-door meeting Nevada’s capitol. with potential voters is This turned out to be a good labor-intensive work which is decision for a number of reasons. very effective for increasing had these neighborhoods all to our- of only registered Democratic vot- Carson City is a small town, around voter turnout. Frankly, selves with plenty of work to do. We ers, many of the people we talked to half an hour from Reno, so this knocking on people’s doors also enjoyed­ encountering the small did not support Clinton or senato- saved us an hour of round-trip and talking about whether or town environments, coffee shops, rial candidate Cortez-Masto. driving time, which was particular- not someone is going to vote is and communities where they sent us. Our political director contacted ly appreciated at the end of the day, not my favorite thing to do. We developed warm relation- the campaign daily and told them in the early darkness of autumn. Believe it or not, I have a shy ships with the local volunteers. the number of folks who would be The local Democratic club streak, at least when it comes They appreciated our reliability and going out each day, so that when welcomed us with open arms. They to asking total strangers about punctuality. Our Zen training in we arrived at headquarters they were glad for our readiness to focus their political plans. Person- just showing up stood us in good had address lists, maps, literature our energies on getting out the vote ally, I find it much more stead. One morning as a dozen of packets, water, and treats ready for in communities that were predomi- pleasant to do this work in us came into the office, we were us. We returned to the campaign nantly Republican and conservative. pairs, to have some moral greeted cheerfully: “The Buddhists office around 6:30 pm, turned in Because the state Democratic organi-­ support and camaraderie, are here! The Buddhists are here!” our packets and reported the num- zation had been sending everyone to which is how we worked in the Canvassing is a challenge in any ber of contacts, yes votes, and other Reno, they desperately needed can- election sesshin.” election year, but in Carson City needed voter ID information. vassers to walk in Carson City and –Judy Bertelsen and the surrounding small towns The campaign feeds this infor- drive to outlying smaller communi- we saw a lot of Trump signs. Even mation into their master voter lists. ties that had not been canvassed. We though we were given precinct lists This enables them to identify their

24 25 These numbers from our 2006 Election Retreat in Stockton show the kind of impact we have had:

2006 Election Retreat Stats: Election Retreat dates ...... October 23-Nov 7, 2006 Total Election Retreat participants ...... 26 Cumulative number of days worked ...... 156 Approximate number of campaign hours, @ 7 hours a day . . 1092 Approximate number of knocks with literature dropped off . .5250 Approximate number of contacts with voters . . .More than 2000 Total voters identified for Democratic challenger Jerry McNerney ...... around 1500 (more than 10% of McNerney’s margin of victory) Get out the vote prep in Carson City, NV 2016 Margin of McNerney’s victory: ...... 13,472 votes supporters, the no votes, the unde- cideds, and voters who have moved. Results: McNerney carried Stockton and helped offset the Republi- “This election work is good By election day these address lists can voter advantage in California’s Central Valley. He serves in the Buddhist practice, because we have been gleaned so that canvassers House of Representatives today. are called upon to enter the visit only supporters to remind them unknown. We have to meet the to vote or offer rides to the polls. unexpected and to set aside Election Day is exciting. It’s the our preconceptions. We are end of our Election Retreat and the called upon to trust that each culmination of two weeks of hard person has Buddha nature. work, both on the cushion and on We are called upon to let go the campaign trail. We are exhaust- of personal comfort as a chief ed but also excited and hopeful. concern. We walk, we talk, On election day in 2016 we and we listen to the people we were asked to get up very early and meet, we offer our partner a leave hundreds of door hangers drink of water, we rest in the reminding citizens to vote. Then, shade, take a pebble out of a with our trusty voter lists in hand, shoe, and breathe deeply of the we hit the trail for a full day of mountain air. Then we go on, GOTV, not quitting until the polls We keep track of knocks in Corvallis, OR 2004 and knock on another door. closed, around eight o’clock. This is perfect training. “ –Sue Moon

26 27 CHALLENGES AND JOYS

On election night, we gathered with watch the results come in. It was other volunteers at a local bar for a supposed to be a victory party. In- Mexican dinner sponsored by the stead we drowned our sorrows with Carson City Democratic Club, to margaritas (or lemonade). It was a real gut punch and a challenge to our Buddhist values. We could at least console ourselves knowing we had helped elect Catherine Cortez Masto to the Senate, the first Latina Senator in US history, and we helped carry Nevada for Hillary Clinton. In the long term, who re- ally knows what our actions

I was in a car canvassing our last neighborhood in Carson City on election night 2016 when a friend called me from the Bay Area, say- ing, “I have a bad feeling about this election.” He had been listening to the returns from the state of Virginia. He was right. The 2016 election results were traumatic. I remembered my experience eight years ago. That night I was also driving in a neighborhood somewhere in rural Nevada listening to the results. When Obama carried Florida we knew it was over. My partner and I hugged each other, threw our precinct sheets in the air, and cel- ebrated Obama’s historic victory with other joyous campaign volunteers at a hotel in downtown Reno. Being unattached to election outcomes doesn’t come easy for me. To be honest, I was invested, body, mind, and, yes, soul to the outcome, especially this one. But I cannot hate. Though Clinton lost the presi- dency, I was extremely grateful for the experience of working together in with nearly thirty other Buddhists and friends. -Edwin Herzog

28 29 will bring about? The law of karma to take action helps, too, like putting says beneficial actions bring benefi- together this booklet and sharing cial results, though it might not hap- this vision. Practice, sangha, and “Sangha Glitter” pen in our lifetime. Can we live with Buddha will guide us through even After you all left Carson, I walked through the house. that? Not to be too attached to out- these hard times. We stay committed The shoe racks were empty. comes helps a little, and continuing and engaged. See you in 2018. The coat hooks were empty. The back yard was empty. The office was empty. “Something about having chanted “Delusions are inexhaustible, The fridge was empty. I vow to end them” for ten days, has made the loss of the presidential The floors were empty. election easier to bear. That and the stegosaurus spine of mountains be- The closet was empty. tween Nevada and California, radiant sometimes with snow, or sun, or The zendo was empty. both. That and our hosts, archetypes of hospitality, the hugger-in-chief, I wandered around and then, I started seeing it. Sangha glitter. the man and his dog, the young prince. A sock, a tea mug, a kitchen towel, a bathroom towel, a canvassing “The golden cottonwood outside the zendo window that came to note, a t-shirt, a wiping cloth, some grains of rice, a tiny pair of hiking represent my little light shining. But mostly, the sangha, the community, boots. sharing food, bowing, waiting, and making space for each other, singing I caught my breath, my heart pinged, a lump was in my throat and I and discussing and sharing stories with each other, tramping the streets smiled. and the apartment stairs together.” I then noticed that the house was not really empty, it was humming – Phyllis Meshulam with intent and purpose and a few tears. There was a scent of food pre- pared and shared, of many people staying in our nest, as though instead of sage, you had smudged our house with love. You have love-smudged us and we will forever be grateful. “I arrived home from canvassing in Nevada last night in a state of Wendy, Richard, Max and Watson, complete exhaustion but with gratitude that I could make a contribution Carson City, November 21, 2016 to this election…this was one of the most challenging experiences I’ve had — lately anyway. We were doing what is called an election sesshin, which means you get up early, meditate for two hours and otherwise live a life whose every moment is scheduled. “You sleep at night on couches and floors with up to ten people in different rooms. I was lucky to get five hours of sleep a night — often less. The first day I drove to Reno, met the group and started canvassing, hitting about 30 doors in an apartment complex. I swear to you that every Democrat lived on the second level, so I must have climbed 25 stairwells. My knee got badly swollen of course…Elizabeth Warren came to our little Democratic party office in Carson City to meet the volun- teers. She gave a barn raiser from the back of a truck and it was wonder- ful. I will treasure the photo I got of the two of us together.” –Pat McBroom

30 31 APPENDICES

Appendix A 2006 sample letter

Dear Buddhist Friend, We, three members of ’s Socially Engaged Dharma Group, are writing to invite you to join us once again for an Election Sesshin. Two years ago, a total of 22 Northern California Buddhists came together to work to bring about a change in our government. For 17 days, during the first-ever Election Sesshin (Buddhist retreat), we camped out on a farm in central Oregon, maintained a daily practice of zazen, and worked long days campaigning for anti-war Democrat Darlene Hooley, who retained her House seat, thanks in part to our efforts. We also worked to elect John Kerry, who in the end carried Oregon, but...the rest is painful history. This year’s Election Sesshin will begin Monday, October 24th in Stockton, CA and continue until Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2006. We have chosen to support Democrat Jerry McNerney, who is running in the 11th district against one of the worst Republicans in Congress, Richard Pombo. All indica- tions are that his is one of the 15 or so vulnerable House Republicans seats. We are lucky this crucial race is happening so close to us, and we think Jerry McNerney is a good person to support. He decided to run after his son, who joined the Air Force in response to 9/11, urged him to serve his country and seek a change by running for office. He ran as a write-in candidate in 2004 and got 39% of the votes, despite not having support from the state or national Democratic Party and being massively outspent by Pombo. That experience will come in handy this November. As in 2004, we will rise early, meditate two periods, have a brief service, eat silent breakfast, pack bag lunches and report for work in the McNerney campaign. In the evening we will share dinner, zazen, service, and then to bed. We hope to have some dharma talks as well. We would like to invite you to help in any of these ways: 1. Commit to join us in Stockton for a minimum of three days and two nights, which will include being trained as an election worker. You can come for more than one sesshin period between Oct. 24 and Nov. 7. There is no charge, but there may be a fee for food. In Stockton you can:

32 33 walk precincts, make phone calls to voters, help get out the vote by driv- • Cloth napkin ing voters to the polls on election day; support the campaigners by acting • Coffee/tea cup as cook or cook’s helper, donate your time as practice leader or priest. • Paper and pen Already several other people have signed on to the adventure. • Cell phone 2. Raise or donate money for food and gasoline for this project. • Clip board and Daypack 3. Send this invitation to others you think might want to participate. • Day pack (or similar) to carry your daily stuff 4. Join our planning committee, and help with logistics, liaison to the Mc- • Tent and ground cover (optional) Nerney campaign, etc. We meet next on Saturday, September 25th at • Your liturgical items, if any 12:30 pm in Berkeley. Let us know if you can come or if you want to be • Meditation bench, if you use one. We have cushions (zafus) and mats involved in any way. (zabutons). Chairs available in the meditation hall. We are acting as individuals and are not endorsed by any Buddhist orga- • Cash: $12/day for retreat fee nization. We feel it is our duty as Buddhist Americans, which we owe to all the people and beings of the world, to do our best to reverse America’s policies of war and destruction of the earth. The thing we can do right now is to try to Appendix C elect good representatives. Sesshin Schedule Ed Herzog, Melody Ermachild Chavis, Stan Dewey. ELECTION RETREAT DAILY SCHEDULE 6:30 AM Wake-up clappers. Maintain silence until clappers at breakfast Appendix B 7:00 AM Zazen (sitting meditation), beginning with Robe Chant Things to bring on the Election Sesshin 7:35 AM Walking meditation (kinhin) • Clothes in which to meet the public 7:45 AM Zazen • Comfortable clothes for sitting meditation 8:20 AM Service (offering flowers or incense, nine bows, chanting Heart • Warm jacket/sweater (layers for likely cold weather) Sutra and Maylie’s Metta Prayer) • Hat; Rain gear/umbrella 8:35 AM Breakfast after Meal Chant (first half silent until clappers) • Sturdy walking shoes 9:30 AM Individual cleanup and dishwashing. • Slippers (for inside house) 9:45 AM General clean up jobs. Each person make a bag lunch. • Water bottle 10:30 AM Rest and personal time (also time for Dharma Talks and • Towels/washcloth discussion and training new participants in election work) • Bathrobe NOON Circle: check-in before leaving for field work • Toiletries (razor, toothbrush, etc.) and your medications (shampoo, 12:15 PM Leave for get-out-the-vote work ­conditioner and hand soap will be provided) 12:30 PM Arrive at Campaign HQ or other work place. • Compact suitcase to stow your clothes and stuff Eat bag lunch, on our own, sometime in afternoon. • Sunscreen Campaign work--all afternoon. • Camping-type sleeping pad for sleeping on floor 4:30 PM Evening cook stops work, if shopping is necessary. • Sleeping bag or bedding (if sleeping in a tent, it may get to freezing; inside 5:30 PM Evening cook returns to house to prepare dinner. temp is kept comfortable.) 6:30 PM All stop work, report to HQ, and return to house • Pillow 7:30 PM Eat dinner • Flashlight and extra batteries (very important for precinct work after dark) 8:30 PM Dishwashing and cleanup • Eating bowls (ideal: one larger, 2 smaller, fitting together) and personal 9:15 PM Zazen Maintain silence for rest of Evening utensils (Oryoki bowls if you have them)

34 35 9:55 PM Refugees. End of program. Perceived that all five in their own being are empty 10:30 PM Suggested time to go to sleep And was saved from all suffering. “O Shariputra, form does not differ from emptiness Emptiness does not differ from form. Appendix D That which is form is emptiness. Sample Work Positions That which is emptiness form. The same is true of feelings, perceptions, formations, consciousness. ELECTION RETREAT WORK POSITIONS O Shariputra, all are marked with emptiness; • Retreat Coordinator They do not appear nor disappear, • Liaison with Obama and Derby Campaigns Are not tainted nor pure, • Head Tenzo (Cook) Do not increase nor decrease. • Lunch Tenzo Therefore in emptiness, no form, • Treasurer No feelings, no perceptions, no formations, no consciousness; • Jobs Coordinator No eyes, no ears, no nose, no tongue, no body, no mind; • Greeters and Assistant to Retreat Coordinator No color, no sound, no smell, no taste, no touch, no object of mind; • Medic No realm of eyes until no realm of mind-consciousness; No ignorance and also no extinction of it until no old-age-and-death DAILY JOBS FOR SIGN-UP BOARD And also no extinction of it; • Morning cook No suffering, no origination, no stopping, no path; • Evening cook and shopper No cognition, also no attainment. • Server(s) With nothing to attain • Bag lunch makings preparer A bodhisattva depends on prajna paramita • Coffee/tea table person And the mind is no hindrance. • Bathroom cleaner Without any hindrance no fears exist; • General sweeper/cleaner Far apart from every perverted view one dwells in . • Trash hauler and recycler In the three worlds all buddhas depend on prajna paramita • Jikido (Zendo cleaner) And attain unsurpassed complete perfect enlightenment. • Zendo positions Therefore know the prajna paramita • Service Leader (or Doshi) Is the great transcendent , • Doan (bell ringer/time keeper) Is the great bright mantra, • Kokyo (chant leader) Is the utmost mantra, Is the supreme mantra, Which is able to relieve all suffering Appendix E And is true, not false. Zendo Chants So proclaim the prajna paramita mantra, Proclaim the mantra that says: Great Wisdom Beyond Wisdom Heart Sutra Gate, gate, paragate, parasamgate! Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Bodhi! Svaha!” When practicing deeply the prajna paramita

36 37 After Dedication: May I continually cultivate the ground of peace for myself and others and All Buddhas ten directions three times persist, mindful and dedicated to this work, independent of results. All beings, Bodhisattva Mahasattvas May I know that my peace and the world’s peace are not separate; that our Wisdom beyond wisdom, Maha Prajna Paramita peace in the world is a result of our work for justice. May all beings be well, happy, and peaceful. Robe Chant Now we open Buddha’s robe Refuges A field far beyond form and emptiness I take in Buddha The Tathagata’s teaching for all beings I take refuge in Dharma I take refuge in Sangha Dai zai ge da pu ku Mu so fu ku den-e I take refuge in Buddha as the perfect teacher E bu nyrorai kyo I take refuge in Dharma as the perfect teaching Ko do sho shu jo I take refuge in Sangha as the perfect life

Now we open Buddha’s robe Now I have completely taken refuge in Buddha A field far beyond form and emptiness Now I have completely taken refuge in Dharma The Tathagata’s teaching for all beings Now I have completely taken refuge in Sangha

Metta Prayer by Refuges -- May I be well, loving, and peaceful. May all beings be well, loving, and Buddham saranam gacchami peaceful. Dhammam saranam gacchami May I be at ease in my body, feeling the ground beneath my seat and feet, Sangham saranam gacchami letting my back be long and straight, enjoying breath as it rises and falls and rises. Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami May I know and be intimate with body mind, whatever its feeling or mood, Dutiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami calm or agitated, tired or energetic, irritated or friendly. Dutiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami Breathing in and out, in and out, aware, moment by moment, of the risings and passings. Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami May I be attentive and gentle towards my own discomfort and suffering. Tatiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami May I be attentive and grateful for my own joy and well-being. Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami May I move towards others freely and with openness. May I receive others with sympathy and understanding. May I move towards the suffering of others with peaceful and attentive confidence. May I recall the Bodhisattva of compassion; her 1,000 hands, her instant readiness for action. Each hand with an eye in it, the instinctive knowing what to do.

38 39 Appendix F Appendix G Excel Comings and Goings spreadsheet Election Retreat History

2016 Election Sesshin 2004 Corvallis, Oregon Re-elect Congresswoman Darlene Hooley Carson City + Reno, NV Comings and Goings ###W ###Th ###F ###S ###Su ###M ###Tu ###W ###Th ###F ###S ###Su ###M ###Tu ###W and elect Kerry/Edwards presidential as of 10/29/16 Arrive Depart 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (Participant names hidden) ticket. 1 x 26-Oct PM 27-Oct AM 1 1 2 2 26-Oct PM 27-Oct AM 1 1 2 3 26-Oct PM 31-Oct AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 2006 Stockton, California Elect Congressman Jerry McNerney and 4 26-Oct PM 31-Oct PM 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 5 26-Oct PM 3-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 take back the House of Representatives for 6 26-Oct PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 15 7 26-Oct PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 15 the Democrats. 8 x 26-Oct PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 15 9 x 27-Oct am 31-Oct am 1 1 1 1 1 5 10 x 27-Oct AM 31-Oct AM 1 1 1 1 1 5 2008 Carson City, Nevada Elect Obama/Biden presidential ticket and 11 27-Oct AM 31-Oct AM 1 1 1 1 1 5 12 27-Oct AM 31-Oct PM 1 1 1 1 1 5 campaign for Jill Derby for Congress 13 x 27-Oct AM 1-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 14 27-Oct AM 3-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 15 27-Oct AM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 14 16 30-Oct PM 5-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 2010 Berkeley, California Re-elect Congressman Jerry McNerney 17 30-Oct PM 5-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 18 30-Oct PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 19 30-Oct PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 2016 Carson City, Nevada Campaign for Hillary Clinton for 20 x 31-Oct am 3-Nov am 1 1 1 1 4 21 x 31-Oct am 3-Nov am 1 1 1 1 4 President and Chip Evans for Congress 22 2-Nov AM 4-Nov PM 1 1 1 3 23 x 3-Nov am 6-Nov am 1 1 1 1 4 and elect Katherine Cortez-Masto Senate 24 x 3-Nov am 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 25 x 3-Nov am 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 26 3-Nov PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 Appendix H 27 x 4-Nov am 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 28 4-Nov PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Oryoki style meals 29 x 4-Nov PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 30 x 4-Nov PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 31 x 4-Nov PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 32 4-Nov PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Oryoki, translated means vessel that contains just enough. It is a formal 33 6-Nov PM 9-Nov AM 1 1 1 1 4 style of serving and eating meals practiced in Zen temples. It is a meditative Daily attendance 8 15 13 13 17 19 13 13 17 19 18 17 16 16 16 230 230 form of eating that originated in Japan and emphasizes mindfulness aware- Space remaining (zendo & meals) 18 10 3 5 5 1 -1 5 5 1 -1 0 1 2 2 ness practice by eating from a set of three bowls and other eating utensils.

40 41 $10.00 ISBN 978-0-9827844-3-3 51000>

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