Enso

Enso
Bamboo Enso by Deiryu (1895-1954)

Sunday, September 26, 2010

The Dispositional Imperative II

I'd like to add a comment about this dispositional imperative. I'm not advocating passivity; there are times we need to speak out, times we need to fight (those who know me know I'm no pacifist), and times we need to take a stand. I think the disposition of peace and calm is in service to a larger cause, to help reduce the suffering of others and create a space for constructive interaction (between body and mind, in our family, circle of friends, and the larger communities we in-habit). So, in times of conflict, if we maintain calm and clarity, keeping in mind the bigger picture, our conflicts may result in something positive, if not healing. But if we harbor hatred, revenge, and disregard for those with whom we are battling, no matter how "right" we are, destruction will inevitably ensue. IMHO, of course. ;)

PS As contemplatives like Pema Chodron would probably say, attend to the conflict within first ("...be gentle to yourself...").

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