Hello, Jameson Fellows.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are celebrating a legacy rooted in love, courage, and service. Today, we honor Dr. King’s vision by recommitting ourselves to compassion, community, and the belief that each of us has a role to play in creating a more just and hopeful world.
Thoughts on current conflicts by Her Holiness Shinso Ito. Thank you, Lacey Frantz '24 JF, for sharing with us :)
Recently, we have been confronted with terrible, shocking images of violence, death, and warfare in the news. Sometimes the pain and suffering we see can feel utterly overwhelming and lead to feelings of helplessness or spiritual despair.
My heart aches at the news of tragic warfare spreading in various parts of the globe. Every report of people’s suffering and devastation brings tears to my eyes. As a spiritual leader, I vow to continue extending my prayers to all affected, both during the services at which I officiate and throughout the day.
What can we as individuals do to preserve our spiritual practice and be of benefit to others in the face of such horrible suffering?
While it may sound counterintuitive, we can help build peace within ourselves by moving our hearts towards others, rather than retreating from their painful circumstances. In the face of the suffering and conflict in the world, the Buddha encouraged what he called The Four Immeasurable States of Mind: loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
Loving kindness means thinking of others with warmth and affection and genuinely wishing them happiness. Compassion means being moved by the suffering of others and genuinely wishing that they be freed from it. Joy means feeling happiness when good things happen to others and being genuinely satisfied when they do. Finally, equanimity means applying all of these states equally to everyone without attachments or judgments —practicing genuine, positive regard for all living beings, regardless of what they may have done.
At the heart of practicing these four immeasurable states of mind is letting go of ourselves and placing our focus on others, because we are just one, whereas others are immeasurable. If we cultivate these attitudes and let go of dividing others into “friend” or “foe,” our reflections and minds become clearer, allowing us to break free from toxic cycles of thinking in which we are often trapped. Rather than wishing love, safety, and happiness to some and retribution, punishment, and violence to others, we practice wishing for the health and happiness of all equally. We can begin by being genuinely kind to those around us, extending that same kind heart to everyone without limit.
The Buddha perceived the reality of life in our world to be often harsh and difficult to face. He understood that the world is full of pain and suffering; it is unavoidable in life. But he also knew from experience that it is possible to find and help others find inner peace and happiness as well. Of course, it may be hard to extend positive feelings to all, especially when we have seen violent attacks and reprisals. But we can acknowledge the challenge, pray that we will be able to go beyond our human limits, and care even for people that we might disagree with. At least we can do our best not to harm them, even in our imagination. It’s okay to begin with the small step of recognizing that everyone is equally deserving of our kindness, compassion, and joy, and then gradually work on genuinely feeling those feelings for all beings.
Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada Monthly Events
Olive Crest is seeking anyone who has thought about, considered, or even has questions about becoming a foster family. Yesterday's census at Child Haven was 50, so that's 50 kids in need of a safe and loving home, and Olive Crest is making a big push right now to train and support families to take kids into their homes.
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With delays to SNAP benefits caused by the government shutdown, many families and individuals need support accessing food. If you or someone you know needs food, help is now easier to find. Several community organizations are hosting emergency food distribution events to ensure everyone has access to nutritious meals during this challenging time. UWSN will continue sharing nonprofit resources as they become available from our partners. If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to attend one of these events. No one in our community should go hungry. Visit Nevada 211 at https://211.org/food or call 2-1-1 for the most up to date information. To continue the conversation outside of the monthly Nonprofit Connection Call, UWSN is launching the UWSN's Nonprofit Connection LinkedIn Group, this space will serve as a community forum where you can post resources and updates about your programs. Join here. Together, we can make sure every neighbor has the food they need. Resources below are effective 11/7/25 - resource availability may change. Community Resource Guides: CCSD No-Cost School Meals Program for all CCSD students Food Access Map http://rtcsnv.com/foodaccessmap National 211 Food Assistance Resource Finder Phone: 211 Emergency Food Relief Distribution Locations: Emergency Food Distribution Sites in Southern Nevada Catholic Charities Community Meal 10:00 am - 11:00 am Monday - Sunday (1501 Las Vegas Blvd, North Las Vegas, NV 89101) https://www.catholiccharities.com/programs/community-meal-st-vincent-lied-dining-facility Catholic Charities Hands of Hope Community Pantry 8:00 - 3:00 pm Monday - Friday Last Saturday of the month 8:00 am - 12:00 pm https://www.catholiccharities.com/programs/hands-of-hope-community-food-pantry City Impact Urban Food Bank 928 E. Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89104 email: urbanfoodpantry104@gmail.com https://cicnv.org/programs/#cic_food_bank
Dolores Huerta Center Food Pantry 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday https://www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/residents/dolores-huerta-resource-center Hope for the Cities Food Pantries
Las Vegas Rescue Mission 480 W. Bonanza Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89106 Phone: 702-382-1766 https://cicnv.org/programs/#cic_food_bank Daily Community Meal: 5:00pm - 6:00pm. This meal is open to the public. Guests must line up at the west gate to gain entry. Salvation Army Henderson Corps - 830 East Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson NV 89015 Phone: 702-565-9578 www.salvationarmysouthernnevada.org/homeless-services https://hendersoncorps.salvationarmy.org/henderson_corps/cure-hunger
The After Market Pantry 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday - Saturday (4337 Las Vegas Blvd N Bldg B Las Vegas, Nevada 89115) https://sites.google.com/theaftermarketlv.org/theaftermarket The Just One Project Phone: 702-462-2253 - leave a detailed message if you call outside of Call Hours. https://thejustoneproject.org/food-programs/emergency-food-assistance Call Hours: Monday-Friday from 8:30am - 2:00pm Three Square Food Bank Phone: 702-765-4030 Kids Cafe Program: 702-644-3663 |
Disclaimer - Community events shared by Compassionate Las Vegas are for informational purposes only.
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