What Price Violence (Full Version)

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zenmember -> What Price Violence (6/21/2007 11:42:42 AM)

Thoughts leave a powerful imprint on the mind. On several occasions, Jesus pointed out that just thinking about an action can affect our consciousness almost as much as the actual performance.
All of us are appalled by the increase in violent crime across our land. We respond by buying more guns, training fiercer watchdogs, installing stronger locks and higher fences. Build a 12 foot fence; we teach intruders to carry a 13 foot ladder. We have not yet recognized that we live in an increasingly violent physical world because we have chosen – largely through the media – to live in an increasingly violent mental one.

Every time we see a show or read a story filled with violence, our minds are being steeped in that, just as they would be if we saw real violence. More amazing, we voluntarily pay for this kind of violence, witness it, and make it real inside our mind. When we do this over and over, we become insensitive to it. Gradually violence becomes a possible solution to frustration, poverty, and injustice; we may even end up applauding it.

In being selective about what we take in from the media, we shield ourselves from so many banal concepts which turn us away from the permanent joy within our hearts.

                                                        - excerpted from the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation site



Hildegard -> RE: What Price Violence (6/21/2007 4:18:07 PM)

Dear Richard, thank you for this timely contribution dealing with a sad reality in our lives. We are exposed to so much of it that there is the danger of getting used to it. Children's cartoons are often quite violent, not to mention video games etc. - Years ago I saw the John Wayne movie "True Grit" in which a girl takes justice in her own hands. It was praised and recommended for general audiences. I was puzzled by this at the time. - We need to become aware of any violence in our own thinkiing and speaking. A desire for getting even, for revenge, feelings of hate all fall into this category. We talk about rage of every kind leading to violence. The violence of abuse is another huge subject.
If we try to be people of peace, we need to be alert for any signs of violence in ourselves and start there to confront it.
Many good wishes,
Edda



Emil -> RE: What Price Violence (6/22/2007 3:48:54 AM)

Dear Richard: I was reading one of your messages a couple of hours ago (I had to step away for a while), and I thought I needed to tell you how I admire your good will. In a very violent world, indeed, you are like a breath of fresh air.

I hope Vern is doing better.

God bless,
Emil



zenmember -> RE: What Price Violence (6/22/2007 10:10:49 AM)

Dear Emil and Edda;

Thank you both for the kind words and thoughts.  It may sound a little corny; as if I'm ruuning for Miss America.  BUT, world peace is very important and it begins in each heart.  If we could just get that across to the so many who are bogged down in the complications of their own lives.  Compassion and equanimity are the two most important qualities that are awakened through meditation (prayer).  And, you two are doing what it takes to spread that truth.

gassho, rj



Hildegard -> RE: What Price Violence (6/22/2007 10:59:30 AM)

Thank you, Richard! Some things may tend to sound corny simply because they are so obviously true!  We don't have control of others, but we are able to form our own hearts. Quiet time in meditation or prayer are so important to do so, no matter how busy we are!
With every good wish,
Edda



arows1faith -> RE: What Price Violence (6/22/2007 11:55:16 AM)

Richard,
I like the title of this thread very much and my response will focus on that. At what cost will the value of violence be too great? I've been learning some very valuable things about myself lately by analyzing the cost/benefit ratios of certain choices and opinions I have. I'm learning that my love, in a way, is a currency. (Note: the word 'money' was not used, deliberately) How I spend and invest that love determines my dividends. I, now, have to be very conscious on what I'm investing in. I need to invest in people, ideas, places that allow a return on my investment. With this higher return on investment, I'll be able to expense my love more easily; volunteering to pick up trash, lighting a candle, planting a flower, loving someone a million miles away because I recognize kindred spirit. These have value for me. Anything that I welcome needs to be in tune with that. This is the only way I can honor myself, Mother Earth, and all those that walk in this kind and beautiful light that we, here, are doing.

Much love and many prayers my peaceful friend,
Arow
Fire the Grid! (This link is for you, Richard)



Emil -> RE: What Price Violence (6/23/2007 5:24:27 AM)

I, in turn, thank you Richard for your kind words in your reply.

Hoping you and yours have a nice weekend,
Emil



zenmember -> RE: What Price Violence (6/23/2007 9:04:23 AM)

Dear Emil, Edda & Arow;

Thank you once again for the words of encouragement.  It feels good to know there are people like you that care for the precarious position we find ourselves.  If we could only know the ripple effect that a negative thought or word has throughout the universe; let alone the repercussions to our own psyche.  Loving kindness and compassion are the means to equanimity. The great mystics tell us the benefits of "paying it forward".  Whether you know it as 'Do no harm to others' or 'Love thy neighbour', the concept is to put out without thought of reward.  Is there any greater power than unconditional love??  The reward manifests itself as harmony and peace.  I suspect John Lenon knew when he wrote the lyrics; "Imagine all the people living life in peace."

gassho, rj

p.s.  Vern is doing fine and I like the "Fire the Grid" concept



buttington -> RE: What Price Violence (6/23/2007 12:38:23 PM)

I recognise a kindred spirit here!

If we could only see that everything, person, tree, animal,etc is connected, and that they are part of us, and we a part of them, we would no longer be able to harm anyone or anything. I'm doing my best to work towards this. J



zenmember -> RE: What Price Violence (6/25/2007 7:19:27 AM)

Judith;

Welcome to the forum.  Hope you enjoy the experience.
As for kindredism; You could be right !!

best regards, rj




zenmember -> RE: What Price Violence (6/27/2007 6:51:59 PM)

The following is an excerpt from today's "Daily Om" - Peace / An Inner Choice
http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2007/9099.html

Often we look at the outside world and find it in a state of seeming chaos or disorder. We feel compelled to transform the situation from one of turmoil into one of peace, yet we are often disappointed in our best attempts to do so. One reason for this is that we cannot bring to the world what we do not have to offer. Peace starts in our own minds and hearts, not outside of ourselves, and until its roots are firmly entrenched in our own selves, we cannot manifest it externally.

Be Still and know

gassho,rj



arows1faith -> RE: What Price Violence (6/27/2007 7:25:59 PM)

Be.



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