Every week in
Kodiak, Alaska, a small group of dedicated people (and a few dogs) stand in a clump of
birch trees near the post office. Rain or shine, they clutch handmade
signs. Drivers acknowledge them with a thumbs up, a honk or cold
silence…[Note: I wrote my original Letter to the Editor in response to Rose Cobis’ letter that appeared in the Kodiak Daily Mirror on Sept. 13, 2006. Perhaps you’ll find something in the letter or in the Resources at the end to help you write your own letter.]
I applaud the Women in Black, the small group of dedicated men and women who stand in front of Kodiak, Alaska's main post office every Friday. Rain or shine [and this day, it was “rain”], their goal is to bring attention to what local organizer Rose Cobis [at right] says are two main problems facing us today: To renew a peaceful approach to the "problems we have with our neighbors, both at home and in the world," and to "deal with our problems with violence."
Women in Black is a world-wide network of women committed to peace and opposed to injustice, war, militarism and other forms of violence. While not an organization, they are a means of communicating and a formula for action.
In her Letter to the Editor, Rose encourages us to guide our legislators to seek diplomatic solutions and to guide our own natures. By asking us to look within our natures, she couldn't be closer to the truth.
"There are three kinds of violence," writes Eknath Easwaran in his book, "Words to Live By":
1) Through our deeds
2) Through our words, and
3) Through our thoughts
Most of what we call violence is in the form of action, like war. But as long as our minds harbor violent thoughts, violence will find its way into our speech and behavior. Thus, the violence that is flaring up in our communities and in many corners of the world is the inevitable expression of the hostility in our hearts.
Violence is an infectious disease, Eknath reminds us. Whenever we indulge in a violent act -- even a small one -- or in hostile words, we pass this disease on to those around us. When we quarrel at home, it is not just a domestic issue, we are contributing to turmoil everywhere.
Martin Luther King said, “Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”
Mahatma Gandhi, a profound force for peace, believed there must be a higher law than that of destruction. “Whenever there are wars, whenever we are confronted with an opponent, conquer by love. Every problem would lend itself to solution if we determined to make the law of truth and nonviolence the law of life.”
I agree with Rose’s plea for us to speak up more and do our part to “urge a loving and rational solution” to violence. May I suggest we start by turning within.
With love and hope, Marion
RESOURCES:
1) Gandhi's autobiography: "The Story of My Experiments with Truth"
2) Autobiography of a Yogi, published by Self-Realization Fellowship
3) Words to Live By, A Daily Guide to Leading an Exceptional Life, by Eknath Easwaran
Words to Live By is a warmly encouraging collection of inspirational quotations for each day, accompanied by Easwaran’s wise and practical commentaries. The quotes come from some of history’s most brilliant philosophers, poets, and sages from all traditions. Easwaran describes how their teachings can be applied to our everyday lives, enabling us all to live up to our highest ideals. Timeless truths are illustrated with relevant, meaningful examples.
