Breaking the Chain

This picture was exactly what I was trying to explain to my mother the other day. I was just telling my mom about a website which showed us how USA droned Pakistan from 2004 to now. It showed how drone attacks increased after president Obama came into office (these were the known drone attacks). The target of these drone attacks were always high profile terrorists etc., but the casualties included, children, civilians and "other" (which meant other terrorists I suppose). All in all till date there are over 3000 dead due to the drone attacks.

My mom pointed out, and rightfully so, that the terrorist organizations under attack of the drones, had killed 5000 plus people during 911 attack on the twin towers in 2001. That was a good point. However, I thought deeply about Ahimsa and all the things I have been learning, and I pointed out to her that we can't break the chain like this. Violence begets violence, this perpetuates more killing. The next time they will target 10,000, and we will retaliate and kill another 20,000... and so it will carry on. is that what we really want?

I know this is one of the most difficult things to accept, it is the toughest thing in life to do. Especially if you are the one affected. We hold on to the pain, anger and our hearts are consumed with revenge, hate and vengeance, retribution, justice... in the end though it comes down to what kind of human do you want to be. Retaliation is a good scare tactic, its a good way to get rid of bullies, but what do we want to be - as a person, as a people, as a nation, as a species? In the end it depends on us individuals... Choose wisely.

Breaking the chain can apply to not only violence, but addictions, negative perceptions, being stuck on a  project, friendships, anger, rivalries, egos, and the list could go on. It means taking a different perspective that does not cause another person harm. It means setting the ego aside and filling your heart with positivity instead. Positivity could be love, light, optimism, hope, kindness, caring, sharing... You see those "top 10 things what successful people do" or "top 20 things happy people do different", its this basic attitude that sets them apart. They don't let negativity hold them back, they don't let failure, hurt, anger drag them down. They focus and fill themselves with this positivity. Don't believe me? Try it!

When you focus on getting back at someone, or on sadness, you spiral yourself into that hole of darkness. An amazing example is Japan during the devastating tsunami. They could have been really sad about the tsunami and wallowed in self pity for days, but they mourned yes, they felt sad, but they didn't focus on that. They gathered themselves, and truly kept calm and carried on. ;-) Another example is the Buddhist Lama's they could be so angry, and hurt about China... but no they focus on their practice, their compassion, love and forgiveness and smile and teach others the same. I find this refreshing... don't you?

Forgiveness is not easy, but those who can master this has found some divinity within themselves. I will say forgiveness is higher than any revenge one can muster. I think those wise old guys from the religious and holi texts would agree, they knew what they were talking about.

Matisyahu lyrics