In 2011, the venerable Thich Nhat Hanh addressed members of the United States Congress. He was there to impart guidance and knowledge; to lay a foundation for this path to peace.
Members of the ‘political elite’, their spouses and families, and selected Congressional staffers (both current and former) were invited to participate. At first, they were hesitant to accept a ‘foreign’ wisdom. Though, perhaps more so – a bit fearful to lay down old habits.
Throughout history, empires have been built upon the backs of those willing to conquer and defeat. Subsequently, wars became a means to an end, while the battle within raged deeply. Villages were pillaged, and the very fabric of humanity, worn thin.
With each action, our understanding of morality, equanimity and justice was challenged. With each action, there was a ‘price’ to be paid.
Eventually, the energy of war bred an environment of mistrust – as world governments shifted resources to offset their fears.
Soon, the energy made its way through to each social class, as new policies were adopted to help control the change.
Even now, this battle extends to our day to day. We struggle with the hastiness of ‘view’; of seeing ourselves through another’s eyes.
“There is a lot that needs to be done in society”, he shared, “work against war, social injustice, and so on. But first we have to come back to our own territory and make sure that peace and harmony are reigning there. Until we do that, we cannot do anything for society. Let us begin immediately.”
You see…
The ‘true work’, my loves – begins with each day; a disentangling of prejudice built upon story. We have to begin the tedious (and often fear inducing) work of laying down labels; of allowing ourselves to be…
Just as we are.
As Brother Thay so simply put, “come back to ourselves and take care of the little boy or the little girl who inhabits the depths of our wounded souls.”
I think our world governments would benefit from such sound advice; to recognize and take action a perspective of humility.
Only then, can the ‘true work’ begin.
Though, this government was founded on the precept of separation; it was never intended to serve without being whole.
A little something to consider, my loves…
In peace…
Namaste ❤️
Copyright 2016, Tara Lemieux
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