Soul Kadee

I’ve been arguing on forums for the last few days, facing the attacks of those who are trying to stir up hate, hoping that I can make a differnce in light of the possibility of communal passions being stirred up following the 7/11 Mumbai Blasts. It’s like casting pearls before swine.

But I know there are good people out there who are currently searching for answers in the face of so much tragedy and hatred. So even if it gives even one person a little comfort, it was worth taking on those who felt I was too soft on terrorists.

I was shocked to find people out there who actually equate non-violence with cowardice and called me a coward. I didn’t know whether to laugh or feel compassion for them.

With that one statement they effectively nullified the efforts of those who fought for India’s freedom through a campaign of non-violence, and labelled them cowards.

And that means people who get their way through violent means - like George Bush and Osama Bin Laden - are heroes. What a screwed up world we live in!

When I was a former environmental journalist, trying to make a difference in my own small way, I realised that change only comes from within. The only person you can change is yourself.

But because that’s the difficult path, most “leaders” who crave popularity and control incite people to riot, destroy and change their world through outward means. Which just leads to a cycle of more hate and violence.

True leaders throughout the ages knew that to change your world, you must first achieve mastery over yourself. Change your thoughts, your mind, your actions, your beliefs if you want to effect real change.

I found this quote in a book review of 7 Mysteries: Contemplative Arts For The Modern Mystic, and felt it was just the sort of thought we need to keep in mind today.

Never in human history has the responsibility for personal transformation been more important. We stand at a crucial crossroads in human history, and never have the choices before us been more clear.

As individuals, we can leave the determination of our common fate to regressive fundamentalist regimes (internal and external), or we can reject such fear-based thinking in favor of a compassionate, more integral future.

We must evolve beyond our every limitation, transcend our fears, and seize responsibility for re-creating ourselves, our nation, and our world.

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