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A Proposal for Peace
Mindfulness acts as sunshine embracing vegetation, allowing the in-breath and out-breath to become harmonious, deep, and peaceful. This energy enables one to embrace pain, sorrow, and fear tenderly, like a mother holding a child, and acts as a boat that carries the rocks of suffering so they do not sink, supported by the collective energy of the Sangha. The practice relies on the Sutra on Mindful Breathing, beginning with the first four exercises focused on the body: recognizing the in-breath and out-breath, following the breath, becoming aware of the physical body, and calming the body to release stress. The next four exercises concern feelings:
- Generating a feeling of joy.
- Generating a feeling of happiness.
- Recognizing painful feelings.
- Calming the feeling and bringing relief.
Compassion is born on the ground of understanding and insight (prajñā), which are cultivated through mindfulness (smṛti) and concentration (samādhi). Wrong perceptions are identified as the foundation of violence and terrorism, which can only be removed through the practice of deep, compassionate listening and loving speech. Drawing on the transformation witnessed between Palestinian and Israeli groups practicing together, a proposal is outlined for America to listen to the suffering within its own borders through a council of sages, and to establish a “Parliament of Peace” to listen to the suffering of other nations. Political leaders are urged to use the language of truth and interbeing to remove wrong perceptions and ensure mutual safety, rather than responding to violence with violence.
During mindful eating, food is recognized as an ambassador from the cosmos, containing the earth, sky, and hard work of farmers. The talk concludes with a Question and Answer session addressing the “non-man” elements of minerals and vegetables within humans, the necessity of having space inside oneself like the moon, and the speaker’s history with Martin Luther King Jr. Further answers explore the transformation of trauma for Vietnam veterans, the definition of enlightenment as concrete mindfulness in daily activities, and advice for a military officer on maintaining awareness as the “flame on the candle” within the system.
