You may recall that we posted here last summer about reports that former US president Bill Clinton had not only become a vegan, but had taken up Buddhist meditation, studying closely with a Buddhist monk. (Here‘s that post.) We’ve always wondered if it was true, and now it seems we have the answer. So: is it? Yes, and no.
A source who knows Clinton has now told us that they came right out and asked him about the reports. Mr. Clinton replied that, no, he is not a meditator. He is a vegan now, and he is a reflective person, but the meditation part just isn’t true. Oh well — it’s never too late to start, whoever you are, ex-president or not. Want to learn how? Check out our How to Meditate Spotlight page, which has all kinds of excellent resources for starting with Buddhist meditation, including “How to Do Mindfulness Meditation,” one of the very most popular bits from our online archives.
8 Comments
I'm more concerned with whether he's a neo-liberal or not, frankly. (The answer is "yes.")
only a neo-buddhist would be concerned with something like that
Dear Neo Archo,
While it is reasonable to assume that anyone would benefit from the sincere practice of the Way,
please examine whether implicit in your view expressed is our that political views can not harm others.
I think "reflective" is a good word to use. Meditation, of course, is so much more than what happens (or doesn't) when you got your fanny planted on a cushion.
everything we do has the potential to harm others.. its not just your political views that control your actions, many other elements are involved and they all have the potential for harm of some sort in some capacity on some scale.. even the most altruistic intentions can lead to the most profound tragedies, unfortunately
but you dont need to worry about anyone elses political views – what are you going to do about it anyway? label him as "harmful" and throw him in a prison with all the other people who are "harmful"… in your opinion? or are you going to try to change his mind and convince him that his political views are "harmful"… in your opinion? i wonder what you intend to achieve through this distinction you have made… in your opinion
While it is neccessary to practice discernment with the utmost clarity,
please examine why you feel the need to label another person's political views as harmful
How wonderful that he is a vegan! The lives he saves – and the people he touches every time they notice he is a vegan….IMHO this is truly mindful living. He has made many mistakes – and very publicly – and now he is truly making a difference!
No matter if Bill Clinton is a Vegan or mediator, this just indicates that our leaders are also like a common people who needs time to take some escape and relaxation to lessen up the burden and stress that we have. It could be in different form, through massage therapy, aromatherapy and more.
Since 2010, Bill Clinton has been in the news and most of these state his role as a mediator. Like in 2010, there's a news which stated that Bill Clinton has to mediate prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas.