We live in troubled times.
There are major wars going on in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Entire populations are incensed at their opponents and their treachery and cruelty. It is acceptable, even laudable, to annihilate them and raze their crops and salt the land.
Lots of my students have asked me for guidance on how to think about the geo-political events that are roiling the world.
Is it not right and proper to wage war to defend your people? Turning the other cheek may not be suitable when you are dealing with zealots. Also, you need to be at a certain level of consciousness for that to work and there are no nation states that are anywhere close to that level.
What you do matters.
What matters more is who you are being as you do it.
The mugger and the surgeon both cut your body with sharp instruments. Their intentions differ.
Let’s say that you have a dog, Tigger, that has been a wonderful pet for years. You love him. Your children love him. You have many happy memories of vacations and treks and playing with balls and sticks.
One day Tigger goes into the woods and is bitten by a rabid raccoon. When he comes back, he snaps at you, and he is slavering. You know instantly what has happened. You must put him down. You cannot allow your grandkids to come near him.
So, you do what needs to be done. But you do it with sorrow and compassion. You cry for the pet who was so faithful and who brought so much joy to your family.
Bring that same sensitivity to a broader arena.
If military action becomes necessary, then that is a failure of us as a species. Of course you want ‘your side’ to win, but do not exult at this victory. It came at the expense of the blood of others. You may be righteously indignant because ‘they’ started it, but you participated in the perpetration of violence that will go on and on in an endless cycle.
The brigand Angulimaal became a great Buddhist preacher. Saul of Tarsus morphed into St. Paul. Could such redemption have happened with those you fought?
You will never know because you slew them.
This is a good time to remember Lincoln’s adage that the only way to truly destroy your enemy is to make him your friend.
Peace!
