random thoughts on peace
Perhaps peace is more an ethic and a spiritual goal we are wanting to progress toward.
Perhaps this is just my view!
When I hear/read Tibet held up as a nation of people living in peace for centuries, I am struck by the need for (some) to idealize something we cherish.
Certainly, as a practicing Bon/Budddhist, peace is something to which I aspire and the principles of non-harming an essential method on the path. However, in reading further about the history and culture of Tibet, I find the following:
….caution to those traveling the vast central plains of Tibet as it is inhabited by the Khampas who are renowned for their capture/kidnapping/murder and thefts of unsuspecting travelers.
….a feudal system of jurisprudence in which punishments are meted out according to laws requiring for instance, loss of a hand if one steals, (seems violent to me), and other more gory punishments described in The Golden Letters.
….wars with the Chinese at different periods in history.
I think it would be more realistic to recognize that we pursue something desirable and attainable but not already existing anywhere other than in an awakened heart.
Let it begin with me…
Intriguing observations, Hannahla.
It is hard to find a perfect example. Even idealized (idolized?) examples, such as Tibet, turn out to be imperfect, as you note. For me, this is a problem with expecting perfection. I profess pacificism, but I’ve not been a perfect pacifist. I know that some advocates of the Christian tradition say one can achieve perfect peace by emulating Jesus, but doesn’t the Bible report that Jesus did some violent things?
Of course, some of this inconsistency is a consequence of definition. People define pacifism differently. We have different limits. Unlike some, my pacificism does not restrain me from swatting a gnat or, in a more realistic example, require me to opose abortion. I hope PP can be a place where we can talk about topics such as differences in perspective.
I take your last expression as a very compelling one. For peace to become the norm, there have to be many people willing to say, “Let it begin with me.”
Peace and Love,
Buster
Comment by Buster — 13 February 2007 @ 6:18 am
“Let it begin with me” rings very true to my heart. Good to hear from a fellow Buddhist!
One thing I would say to the idealization of an object or person is that it sets us up for disappointment. We tend to pay attention to only the good things we want to see and are completely shocked when the rest of reality creeps up. Instead of idolizing something or someone for having a positive value or virtue, we should be working to cultivate it in ourselves.
Thanks to John for referring me to this blog
-Oz
Comment by Oz — 14 February 2007 @ 1:47 am