Walk cheerfully over the earth answering to that of God in everyone.George Fox
After I went to my first Quaker meeting, I was discouraged. How could a religious group who exposed such high values as “peace, integrity, equality, simplicity and sustainability” have no concept of non-violence for other beings? I began to consider this question even wider.
I had studied Buddhism for decades, but the respectful treatment of other beings is also uncommon in Buddhism. How could a religious movement that centred on ideas like Dependent Arising have such disregard for other beings?
In all of my studies, the only really instance I have seen of respect for life in religion has been in Jainism, and for them this arises from a fear of their own accumulating karma.
Where is the spiritual insight to do no harm? Where is the spiritual insight to respect all life? I was discouraged by these thoughts. Then it happened.
A voice said to me, “Are you expecting everyone else to do the work? Are you expecting the world to just be handed to you, perfect? If you want to see a more compassionate and empathic world, it is your work to create it!”
That voice speaks to me, often. This site and work are an evolution from that moment. If there are not enough people thoughtful of the plight of other beings, it is my task to spread the spiritual insights I have been given. This is my task to witness and bear testimony.
May all beings know peace!
Aroha nui,
Tūruapō ❣
05 Aug 2025 (GMT +13)