Way of Peace or Way of Violence. Finding the way to a better world.
Way of Peace or Way of Violence? Finding the way to a better world. I had a comment on a Facebook post the other day about how the world has become more dangerous. The comment caused me a lot of reflection.
And it was basically "the world is not more dangerous. It is more peaceful. And peace is the only way." I responded in kindness because while she was wrong, perhaps naive, she is also very right.
Way of Peace or Way of Violence
I explained to her I am a man of peace. And I am a man of peace. Anyone who knows me in the real world knows this for a truth. But I understand that in order to be peaceful one MUST understand violence. Denial of it is dangerous. This is part of the yin/yang theories taught. Way of Peace or Way of Violence are two halves of the whole.
I recall once a few years back I was on a crowed bus going into town. The bus stopped suddenly and with the forward motion, as many were standing, I stepped HARD on a man foot. He was NOT happy. I touched him gently on the should and said "Îmi pare foarte rău!" or I am VERY sorry. The anger melted and he nodded his head in appreciation.
His anger came up quickly, and I responded quickly. I do not know him, or what his life/day have been like. How we react or respond to our day is based on the person we are. And as martial artists it is our responsibility to become a better person each and every day.
Way of Peace or Way of Violence
Way of Peace or Way of Violence: There are many out there who seem to believe they have the "right" to do harm. And yet get very upset when harm is done to them. This is simply the law of Karma, cause and effect. What seeds we sow so shall we reap! This is inescapable!
To "show the attacker his or her wrong doing" is the highest form of any martial art. It is not self gratification but rather to be humble. This lady's comment on that post where thought provoking. I wonder if she knows the found of her martial art Morihei Ueshiba had known great violence in his life? And had taken life due to circumstances, yet can be called a man of peace!
Likely not. Few study history. But in this history is an understanding of the Way of Peace or Way of Violence
We need a new paradigm in the martial arts world. Not one of rank, promotions, halls of fame or victories in rings, but rather victory of the self. Self control and compassion beyond anything seem today. Taking charge of our own lives for the better of all mankind.
To stand and fight or to escape?
If I wish to show the attacker his wrong doing then to escape doing a little harm as possible becomes the goal. Not to do harm to stroke my own ego as to what a great fighter I am.
Conclusion - Way of Peace or Way of Violence
I am a warrior, my sword is sheaved until I have no choice but to use it. My ego does not give me any rights. And yes this woman's comment left me in deep thought. Perhaps that was her intent. I will never know. But like all of life she was both correct and incorrect depending on perspective.
I do not believe my comment back influenced her. And it is funny because while I recognize the high level of violence today in the world I live in a very non violent place. Way of Peace or Way of Violence is a path we can choose from by our day to day actions and thoughts.
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