The Presidential Election: The Difference Is Dharma

Remember when Bush Jr. said that God told him he would be president?  Well, he was the president for eight years. It was his fate.

Obama often declared in recent speeches, “I AM the president.” And, “That’s not what presidents do.”  Romney insisted the election was all about the economy and that any time we could send a government function to the private sector, we should do so.

Whether you liked the election results or not, whether you believe in astrology or Nate Silver, dharma makes a difference.

What is dharma?  Dharma, a Sanskrit term, has many layers of meaning including fate and duty.  In a deeper sense, it is our surrender to a larger path, the nexus of the following: 

1. Our heart’s desire and passion

2. Full use of our unique gifts, talents

3. Our unique personality style and body type

4. The needs of society—how we do the most good

5. Our geographical location/environment. 

Dharma as fate may also be the Universe’s gift to put us in a position where we can learn life’s lessons.  (Richard Nixon--He later wrote about the mistakes he made in his presidency as a way of atonement.)

Hurricane Sandy, while certainly not responsible for the outcome of the election, provided a clear contrast between business and governance and two men’s dharmas.  Suddenly, FEMA was a good thing and forced many to abandon partisan politics and rush to give aid to those in harms way.

As the campaigns wore on, one could see there is difference between a businessman and a president. 

Mitt Romney, was an accomplished and successful business person and sales person by many standards. He is intelligent competitive, tenacious, persistent and persuasive. 

Obama was “presidential”.  He is a scholar of the U. S. Constitution-our nation's guiding mission and vision. Today, he is heralded for organizing, inspiring and mobilizing the greatest grassroots volunteer political movement in our nation's history. There is no more doubt about his ability to lead.

Romney wanted the position.  Obama wanted the job.

Both are necessary professions, life paths--dharmas.  One will serve better as a president of a nation; the other, as CEO of a multi-national corporation or perhaps a financial consultant to a governmental entity.

Mitt Romney was a uniter in his gracious concession speech; perhaps his single greatest dharmic act for the good of the nation at exactly the right moment.  In his acceptance speech, President Obama said that he would be working with Mitt Romney for the good of the nation. 

Both of these men are truly living their dharma.

Are you?