Most of us have been victims or perpetrators in some form of violence or another, and as mindful people on the spiritual path, we have to ask ourselves how we can disengage with violence at all costs.
In Buddhism, non-violence is of the utmost highest attainment, and is the prime facet for which the philosophy is based.
But what should happen when you find yourself in an unpleasant situation, when feelings of anger arise, and you wish to act out?
And what happens when there are violent acts around you
or occurring to you?
1. BE MINDFUL
The first stage in these affairs is to really narrow in on whats going on, almost like a camera would be going into auto focus
a) See Whats going on and then
b) Focus in on the situation
to begin this we must scan the whole picture
this is the moment to practice your mindfulness, when you are in the eye of the storm so to speak
When chaos is abound, breathe, and pay attention
2. Ask Questions
its important to ask if you can, to inquire... most of the time, violence is acted out of misunderstanding and conflict, if you can get to a dialogue then you can come to some understanding... which leads me to the next point
3. Give Compassion
many of us think that to have compassion we must have sympathy, when in reality, true compassion isn't as engaged as sympathy, which acts as an energetic force field, sucking one into emotions and thoughts that are not their own. Having Empathy on the other hand is key to compassion, because it allows for the kind of distance to a) have had the experience of suffering yourself b) relate with understanding without taking on another persons experience
This is a far more respectful tactic, and it allows for the diffusion of violence
4. Be Creative
If all else fails, after scoping the scene, being creative might be the best way to go, and shouldn't really be at the bottom of the list, so much as an alternative to asking questions if the situation doesn't call for it. Taking people off guard can disengage them. What is key is that you are doing something to relate to their sense of humanity... one can do this through quirk and humor, or simply by showing that you are a peaceful force and will not partake in perpetuating violence.
this leads me to the ultimate of things which is
5. Be Brave
bravery is sometimes thought of as something one does on a battlefield, but if we think about what it means to win, we realise that in winning we must all walk away winners. A bitter loser, is an enemy, and he will want to go to battle again. If we can all work for the greater good, with grace and poise then we can come to a place of divine strength, and lasting peace. This kind of bravery means that you stand your ground, which can be the square you stand upon, or the beliefs you hold in your heart. If you stand for nonviolence, then you will be powerful beyond measure, being brave means teaching through surrender, it allows for stillness at the center of your being, and an unwavering amount of conviction in what one believes.
................
The next time you are in a situation where there is violence and tension, think about these things...
ponder what you might do, and how you can disengage and become a peaceful force
Thank you for reading
Namaste K
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