Have you noticed how this craze of violence, destruction, and terror, in the world, occurs in waves, but in is also a constant?
What I mean is that although death, violence, destruction and devastation... what we call terror and war, is continuous globally, there is something major that affects you, your country, something near you every 2-3 months, or makes it big in the news in terms of violence. In Nov, Dec, and Jan we were plagues with the headlines: girl is gang raped in Delhi, Colorado shooting, Connecticut School shooting... Now we have this focus on US drones killing many in Afghanistan and Pakistan; This week: 5 yr old raped in Delhi, Boston marathon bombing.
There is violence, death and destruction, everywhere that always doesn't make it to my attention, or big in the news that is shown in the US, but exists. We must be aware of this fact.
“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere
absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human
compassion.”
―
Dalai Lama
That quote leads me to the next one:
“There is a saying in Tibetan, 'Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.'
No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that's our real disaster.”
―
Dalai Lama XIV
Knowing there is violence, death, destruction and terror in the world, we must not lose hope, love, passion and give into fear or anger. Those two emotions lead to more of the violence, and destruction. Also always keep the ego in check!
So this pattern of violence, that turns good people into scared, and angry people, which thus turns them violent, hateful and destructive (you have been through it, even in a small way), people. We are unable to get over our egos, and calm ourselves down and see the bigger picture (simple psychology, philosophy and Buddhism, please read up on it, and try to keep your heart and mind open). I dunno much, but I do know this guy, the Dalai Lama has some keen insights into life, living, the world and peace, and although so hard to follow at times, the simple messages he communicates speak such truth.
Is it time to break the pattern or what? There is a chain of
violence that needs to be broken. It can not be broken by death, war, punishment, revenge, hate, anger, fear, destruction, devastation, or more
killing. Although sometimes the ego says "oh yeah you think you can hurt me? I'm gonna stamp you out!" "I will kill you to protect myself my family" Instead of trying to approach a situation of threat in a different way.
I've been using different approaches to situations that hurt me, make me angry, frustrated and scare me.
Sometimes we feel that the world is a huge place and nothing we do can make a difference?
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
―
Dalai Lama
We are all mosquitoes and we CAN make a difference. And the difference we will make is through love, kindness and compassion.
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
―
Dalai Lama,
The Art of Happiness
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.”
―
Dalai Lama
“The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness.”
―
Dalai Lama
“If you can cultivate the right attitude, your enemies are your best
spiritual teachers because their presence provides you with the
opportunity to enhance and develop tolerance, patience and
understanding.”
―
Dalai Lama
Instead of wondering how to end it, think of why they are doing this so we can prevent it in the future. Instead of thinking of punishing, or revenge, why not think about forgiveness, and killing them with kindness. When I say kill them with kindness, I don't mean death, but show them so much compassion that it melts away their evilness. I swear it works! It is so hard to do, because we are hurt, in pain, angry, and scared, and it takes so much to become a bigger better person. So much energy, love and mindfulness to forgive, and love in exchange for hate.
I'm not saying wrong doers must not be punished, they should be, but it is time to break the chains, to create real change. And warn evil doers, and help change them before they act. These depend on us though, our behavior, we are mosquitoes, we are the world, the people and we are all connected. As my friend Celeste said today on a facebook status, "
Hate
begets hate. Anger begets anger. How many horrendous things will have
to happen before we choose love and connection? Clearly, hate and
separation really isn't working." This is my message and question too!
In the end of your life though you choose what you want to be...
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
―
Dalai Lam
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
―
Dalai Lama
“Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.”
―
Dalai Lama
“All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in
the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction”
―
Dalai Lama
Breathe!
Breathe!
