Extending our concern beyond our immediate circle to a universe without circumference will end the cycle of retaliation, and give rise to a new style of being.
There seems to be a pre-civilized world of revenge, emerging in our socio-political-religious environment in the name of religion. A sick retaliating psyche has surfaced in the dynamics of relationships in the society. Frown, fury and vengeance are being considered nobler virtues today than loving-kindness and contrition. Obviously there prevails an imbalance in the human soul, leaning more towards retaliatory violence than harmonious and a humanitarian solution to issues pertaining to the public domain, finally resulting in social upheaval and uncomfortable co-existence.
Hate speeches delivered by interested fringe religious, narrow-minded individuals and groups in the Indian society contemporarily sign in clear terms that the venom of aggression, war-mongering and annihilation are easily encouraged as works of justice and expressions of true faith. Fabricated facts about those who seem to be a threat, particularly in the realm of religion and politics, are spewed out freely by the zealots of a religion, creating an uncertainty and fear among innocent people. Because the ruling dispensation bears the mark of a strong religious sentiment and it functions on the basis of ‘one religion, one country,’ it remains silent, which in turn brews further hatred in the propagators, licensing them of their misdeeds. The vicious circle of fury and hate continue to be normal today. The outright extermination of people who profess and practice their faith is considered as a justifiable moral act. Hence, the individuals and their master-inspirers simply cannot know to this day and are unable to recognize when the ‘night is over and the day has dawned!’
The sad fact before us today is that the educated millions who have vowed, and exercise the divinely human and humanly divine ancient faiths and philosophies which are mystically awesome and stupendously nourishing the soul, have yet to see the light of day and recognize their brothers and sisters on the eyes of human beings whatever their colour and religion be. Being caught up in the flashy political philosophies and grossly exaggerated ideologies which are being propagated through the media today, even the sane and the reasoning persons can hardly be reasonable any longer and unable to arrive at a reasonable judgment when it comes to electing leaders who can carry forward the divine destiny of people. The freedom of speech is turned into a mockery by liberal and oppressive declarations in public. The law of the land is flouted by the informed and knowledgeable leaders with their cadre, regardless of who governs and judges human behavior. Such a disregard for human decency has covered the ambit of honesty and integrity. In the bargain the human being is either killed by the poisonous tongue or hate is sowed in hearts who never wished that to happen. Then hate begets hate. Hence committing an injustice becomes an adorable act.
The challenge today is to meet the demons of hate and retaliation with loving-kindness. This does not mean we let ourselves be victims of grave injustice and crime instead seek the way of reconciliation. Compassion, understanding and a belief that all humans are redeemable may free us from the retaliatory instinct of our ego. Without blame or being driven to get back at the unfairness of others, people of our nation need to return to the spiritual practice of mindfulness into which they are born and grown.
Unfortunately the attitude and behavior, speech and act of the numerous political leaders do not impress upon the citizens a positive, non-revengeful and peace-loving appearance. They are often overridden by natural impulse of ego-sport of the pre-civilized world which stands contrary to the importance of subjectivity and interdependence which the contemporary philosophy insists upon if humans wish to sustain their life in society. In a spiritual practice of mindfulness or deep sense of presence one notices others’ negative behavior but does not get back at them for it. Getting back at others has become the normal style of many in our society so much so that boundaries and barriers are constructed between families, nations, cultures and religions. It seems to me that all our enthusiastic and emotional religious practices absolutely stand contrary to our thinking and practice. This kind of hypocritical attitude was condemned by Jesus Christ, calling it as “white-washed tombs”.
Retaliation works only between lions and tigers, not among rational and affective humans! The truly human never looks for the glee of retaliatory disposition, instead for a connectedness that enhances mutuality with standards of love. Human history of recent times indicates the loss of moral consciousness which upholds, bears and sustains every human person as sacred life in whom is Divine Energy hidden. The Hitlarian mind grossly corrupted by hate has been making its way with its intolerance towards anyone who does not fit into one’s likes and dislikes. Healthy anger is not violence but a firm disagreement with the unfair or inhumane treatment towards the sacred mortals. Hence developing a healthy psyche will gear to release the innate compassion for the human other in his or her other-ness manifested in ones way of life, worship, religious practices, attitudes, behavior and culture. On the other hand, the neglect of this will eventually corrupt and corrode human society and turn it into a bestial space. Everyone is accountable for this sin which is inherent in the human soul.
A conscientious effort on the part of all to alter the non-acceptable events of our common history which have dominated the discourse these days is of paramount importance and urgent need. We cannot permit ‘live or perish’ philosophy. Replacing hate speeches of vengeance and retaliation by turning “swords into ploughshares” of the Biblical prophecy is what is truly required today in a situation where human beings are begging for their daily bread on the fringes of our society. How can hate find its room in the heart when millions struggle for a penny or two? How can getting rid of a disturbing and dangerous presence is promoted and the “eye for an eye” historical style still persists when millions are displaced and dispersed without a home of their own?
Recall that nature tailors each and every species to support others. Extending our concern beyond our immediate circle to a universe without circumference will end the cycle of retaliation, and a dialogue between humans will evolve as a new style of being.
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