Pilgrimage to Nonviolence
First, it must be emphasized that nonviolent resistance is not a method for cowards; it does resist. If one uses this method because he is afraid or merely because he lacks the instruments of violence, he is not truly nonviolent. This is why Gandhi often said that if cowardice is the only alternative to violence, it is better to fight … The method is passive physically, but strongly active spiritually. It is not passive nonresistance to evil, it is active nonviolent resistance to evil.
A second basic fact that characterizes nonviolence is that it does not seek to defeat or humiliate the opponent, but to win his friendship and understanding. The nonviolent resister must often express his protest through noncooperation or boycotts, but he realizes that these are not ends themselves; they are merely means to awaken a sense of moral shame in the opponent … The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community, while the aftermath of violence is tragic bitterness.
A third characteristic of this method is that the attack is directed against forces of evil rather than against persons who happen to be doing the evil … We are out to defeat injustice and not white persons who may be unjust.
A fourth point that characterizes nonviolent resistance is a willingness to accept suffering without retaliation, to accept blows from the opponent without striking back. ‘Rivers of blood may have to flow before we gain our freedom, but it must be our blood,’ Gandhi said to his countrymen. The nonviolent resister … does not seek to dodge jail. If going to jail is necessary, he enters it ‘as a bridegroom enters the bride’s chamber…’ “What is the nonviolent resister’s justification for this ordeal to which he invites men, for this mass political application of the ancient doctrine of turning the other cheek?” The answer is found in the realization that unearned suffering is redemptive. Suffering, the nonviolent resister realizes, has tremendous educational and transforming possibilities.
A fifth point concerning nonviolent resistance is that it avoids not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. The nonviolent resister not only refuses to shoot his opponent but he also refuses to hate him. At the center of nonviolence stands the principle of love …
A sixth basic fact about nonviolent resistance is that it is based on the conviction that the universe is on the side of justice. Consequently, the believer in nonviolence has deep faith in the future. This faith is another reason why the nonviolent resister can accept suffering without retaliation. For he knows that in his struggle for justice he has cosmic companionship… a creative force in this universe that works to bring the disconnected aspects of reality into a harmonious whole.
--Martin Luther King. Jr., in Stride Towards Freedom
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32 Past Reflections
On May 31, 2018 Annya wrote :
Hey do anyone know what kind of audience king is trying to approach?
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On Aug 21, 2017 akima tendo wrote :
Nonviolence, avioding aggression, and Nonsinning, avoiding harm to others, can change the world - even at the cost of becoming another Tiananmen Square. Everyone who joins becomes part of a Typhoon of Steel - everyone who dies a Divine Wind. If you do not want the Legacy of Doctor Martin Luther King Junior - and Gandhi - to become the Dogs of War... a War of Rage... then sit down and talk about the corrupt Government and Political Parties and so on. In the name of our Constitutional Republican Mortal State, Liberal Democratic Mortal Society, and Welfare Capitalist Mortal Marketplace - it is time for a stronger National and Federal Constitution... with a Declaration of the Rights of the Person and the Citizen that Protects everyone. Take care with Nonviolence and Nonsinning - they are wild. Blessings of Buddha, Tao, Kami (Gods), and Megami (Goddesses) from this humble little Japanese American Shamaness.
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On Dec 15, 2011 Catherine Todd wrote :
Thank you again Tristan, for your incredibly honest and thoughtful comments. I have been thinking about your words ever since. Much to learn here... so far to go, so little time (teaching an old dog new tricks?) but perhaps we have as many lifetimes as we need? Gracias to everyone here.
"The winds of grace blow all the time; all we need do is set our sails."
Please show me The Way.
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On Dec 6, 2011 Tristan wrote :
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On Dec 6, 2011 Catherine Todd wrote :
Yet what makes Martin Luther King's life "worthwhile" if he DID in fact practice nonviolence, and he was shot and killed for it in the end?
That's the part that I cannot understand. Are we to give up our "will to live" in the process? We who are still "attached to the physical world?"
Do we simply expect to "rise again?" I'm not that far along. I will fight back to preserve my own life. I fight fire with a nuclear bomb.
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On Dec 6, 2011 Catherine Todd wrote :
kvakutty wrote: "Non violence is the highest virtue. It means not haming another by thought word or deed..."
This sentence, in all it's stark reality and simplicity, really struck me.
I would say that I NEVER "harm another by deed" but I will ALWAYS harm another by word. In fact, I was raised that way, and I am completely justified in my own mind; it's instantaenous and it's so wrong. Now I really have something to think about. Think, Practice, Do. Become. Gracias, amigo.
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On Dec 6, 2011 kvakutty wrote :
Non violence is the highest virtue.
It means not haming another by
thought word or deed. Our very
civilization is founded on that.
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On Nov 18, 2011 Edit Lak wrote :
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On Nov 18, 2011 Thierry wrote :
To Catherine: cooperation is the most difficult thing, ever. If your cooperation is not returned, it means it is not welcome. Just let it be. Don't fret about it. Turn the page.
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On Nov 18, 2011 Ram wrote :
From the movie "Gandhi"... I love this small 2-minute clip, its very much related to this topic... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRdIGzFtM24&feature=player_detailpage#t=1031s (at 17:11 minute)
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On Nov 17, 2011 Somik Raha wrote :
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On Nov 17, 2011 Catherine Todd wrote :
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On Nov 17, 2011 Somik Raha wrote :
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On Nov 17, 2011 Tristan wrote :
Really appreciated so many angles in all your comments. And thanks, ulzija. All advice welcome: I'm at <ge02r@yahoo.com> There's no substitute for experience.
I saw the documentary "The Grizzly Man" about Tim Treadwell who sought a non-violent, "loving" interaction with grizzly bears in Alaska. He had many emotional weaknesses, but worked out a way of interaction and lived in the wilderness of Katmai 13 summers before he got killed and eaten. Gotta guess what kind of bear you're dealing with before deciding how to implement your spirit of non-violence.
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On Nov 17, 2011 Catherine Todd wrote :
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On Nov 17, 2011 AtoZ wrote :
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On Nov 17, 2011 Thierry wrote :
The terms 'civil resistance' or non-violent resistance refer to protest as regard to civil laws. Like those wich used to enforce segregation in some states in the USA. The context may have been different in India but still, the country was administered according to laws established by the occupant. It was laws the people were called to resist non-violently. Speaking of non-violence at large may be very misleading. Pacifism may lead a country to be invaded!
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On Nov 17, 2011 Somik Raha wrote :
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On Nov 17, 2011 Catherine Todd wrote :
A to Z wrote: "An immature or unevolved bully can only understand force"
Thank you. NOW I feel I can be part of a "non-violent movement," knowing I don't have to sit there and take it, and let them kill me in the process. The trick is to withstand and overpower, when necessary, the bully without hatred and by doing the least amount of harm possible. Using the least amount of force necessary. Having grown up in an extremely violent household, I learned early on that I had to stand up for myself or be killed. I could never understand the "turn the other cheek" business until I read this exchange.
Thank you!
The winds of grace blow all the time; all we need do is set our sails."
Please show me The Way.
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On Nov 16, 2011 AtoZ wrote :
In popular terminology, non-violence refers to physical non-violence. Usage of non-violence protests means that you are using violence in the domain of "ideas" or "memes" and not "genes".
Non-violence can only work against certain kind of oppositions. Try using non-violence against animals who want to eat you or human beings in the grip of an ideology bent upon destroying you to suit their religious beliefs. An immature or unevolved bully can only understand force. Peace can come from a position of strength and when backed with force.
Although, strategically it may make sense when physically weaker to use violence in the domain of ideas (which is equivalent to using non-violence in the physical domain.)
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On Nov 16, 2011 SK wrote :
There is little doubt that non-violence is and should be the preferred method in any resistance. But shutting out the possibility of violence entirely irrespective of the situation is impractical and in my opinion undesirable. If violence is the only way to stop more violence, it becomes the preferred alternative. Buddha, the apostle of non-violence, gave tacit approval to his friend Bimbisara's account of a just war. Gandhi, in his own writings in the Hind Swaraj in the mid 1940s, acknowledged the limitations and failure of his non-violent movement. Just like it is advocated to practive non-violence without anger or malice towards the oppressor, an approach of physical violence can be chosen in some circumstances to end persistent and ongoing violence or oppression, without anger and malice towards the oppressor.
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On Nov 16, 2011 ulzija wrote :
First, I would like to say thank you for posting these kind words.
Tristan, I would like to speak to you. I too have been raised in violence of many kinds. In a "religious" family too. Even more confusing. I'm not sure if you were serious about killing yourself, but I want you to please don't and consider forgiving yourself right now for not being able to forgive the ones that hurt you. Stay in your heart and FEEL these feelings that are coming up. They are coming up to be released now, so that you can continue to do your work. You will find your way back to non-violence, you are not perfect. It sounds to me like it's time to spend some loving kindness on YOU!!! Violence hides in the heart until you can process it, and to do that you must grieve, grieve for yourself - BE KIND to yourself while doing so and feeling. If neccessary seek loving support. It takes time.
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On Nov 16, 2011 Thierry wrote :
I was impressed by the words of Martin Luther king jr. celebrating the spirit behind civil resistance . The context was that of the Civil Rights movement of which he was the leader in the Christian America of the early sixties. An organized, powerful and, today, historical movement inspired by the great example of Mr. Gandhi's India. When watching History in the making, as what is presently happening in some Arab countries, I may not find a movement that organized, with such inspired leadership and moral imperatives. But I find a same aspiration towards freedom, justice and human dignity. Another proof that, independant of culture and climate, this call can never be repressed.
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On Nov 15, 2011 Marianna wrote :
Beautiful guidelines for pracitce in these times of activism. This would be a great thing to print and distribute at Occupy Wall St. rallys everywhere. Thank you for sending them, Nipun.
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On Nov 15, 2011 Tristan wrote :
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On Nov 15, 2011 Shradha wrote :
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On Nov 14, 2011 Edit Lak wrote :
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On Nov 13, 2011 Ricky wrote :
As soon as we believe we are separate from others, we judge. This leads to violence of heart, spirit, or even on the physical plane. Nonviolence drops judgment away, and as we practice the understanding that we are all One, there is a healing that occurs more complete than we ever had imagined. And this healing begins with us...
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