Friday 14 March 2008

Here is more on the spirit of non-resistance.

The acquisition of the spirit of non-resistance is a matter of long training in self-denial and appreciation of the hidden forces within ourselves. It changes one's outlook on life...It is the greatest force because it is the highest expression of the soul.
If one is to combat the fetish of force, it will only be by means totally different from those in vogue among the pure worshippers of brute force.

In a culture that is consumed by a "fetish of force" the way of non-violence is usually something that is ridiculed...even by those who claim not to be a part of such a fetish. As I mentioned earlier this week, this movement toward force and violence in our lives happens quickly and can overwhelm us in a moment. Gandhi stresses the time that is needed to help us turn to a way that is able to resist such temptation to violence. It is as he notes, something that "changes one's outlook on life." We do not simply want to prevent a violent act, we want to redirect our lives...change our vision...be open to a possibilities that is truly ours but rarely one we choose to live: non-violence. I find that it is not easy to remember the force of non-violence when I am in the middle of a situation during the ordinary moments of the day. It is as though violence (of many kinds) is able to seduce me and I lose perspective on what is really the "highest expression of the soul."

Connection: Watch a bit of television this weekend. Be mindful of this "fetish of force" and how easily we fall into its power. Also, take note of the difference between watching this force like an object outside of us and, if possible, how it seduces us when it is a present reality within an encounter during our day.

When you peace comes among us, O God, we are in the presence of a power that can bring all things to rest. In the midst of that rest, we are introduced to a new way of playing in the garden of your creation. We long for that opportunity to rest in you. Amen.