Once you turn the corner and understand the path of non-violence, you wonder how you didn’t see it before. You wonder how others don’t see it. You wonder how those considered “enlightened” didn’t see it.
How can you strive for the improvement of self or our species, while you are torturing and murdering others? It seems so clear - so straightforward.
My wife reminds me that people are indoctrinated into things and don’t really challenge them. I am reminded of the Nazis who would commit the worst crimes and then go home to their loving families. This divide is so common amongst our species - creating “spaces” in our thoughts, hearts and lives for compassion and then having none of that compassion in other spheres.
This segmentation of ourselves is one of our greatest impediments to spiritual progress and to the evolution of our species. We must break down these barriers and extend our compassion to all - or our compassion is not enough.
May all beings know peace!
Aroha nui,
Gerald Tūruapō Jordan, MBA, MEd, MCouns