So, how does non-violence fit into the life of Gandhi.
In Gandhi's mind, non-violence was not simply a political tactic... On the contrary, the spirit of non-violence sprang from an inner realization of spiritual unity in himself. The whole Gandhian concept of non-violent action and satyagraha (holding on to truth) is incomprehensible if it is though to be a means of achieving unity rather than as the fruit of inner unity already achieved.
The end is already in the beginning. The non-violence is already deep within the heart and is at home available for life. This is where I so often realize just how far I am from this spiritual unity. And yet, we are each offered space and life and time to walk within the domain of this creative life that comes in the midst of communities that may be broken and divided and yet yearn for healing and wholeness and reconstruction. Love springs forth...it cannot be pressed into action. It unfolds from within a sacred place that is at the center of our lives. We can nurture that love in one another. We can encourage that love to be expansive and deep. We can rest in that love and learn to know how it is present among us. But...it springs forth on its own. Then again, maybe within the simple discipline of listening and watching and waiting and touching, we will begin to awaken into a place free of violence and ready to be a part of the transformation of all things.
Connection: Everyday is that journey filled with so many events that know too well how to trip us up and send us off making war with one another. We do need each other to watch for that which trips us up.
Lord of the Journey, you have brought us into this day and you encourage us to "live." We long to live within the ways of your peace and yet we fight it at every step. Guide us, O Lord. Walk with us. Lift us. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment