“Nonviolence not non-action”–Daily Metta

by

April 13

standing-gandhi“Not knowing the stuff of which nonviolence is made, many have honestly believed that running away from danger every time was a virtue compared to offering resistance.”

–Gandhi (Harijan, 7-20-1935, pp. 180-181)

 

One of the most insidious misconceptions about nonviolence pervading popular culture is that it means doing nothing at all. We’ve all heard it, or even believed it ourselves. You mean people should not defend themselves? No thanks! It is as though we think that the only alternative to violence is passive compliance. Not at all. Actually, I am talking about “nonviolence” not “non-action.” Thank you.

Whenever I am confronted by this question, what I call Popular Assumption #1– it reassures me to some extent to remember that even Gandhi had to deal with it over and over again, yet he kept on answering it in new ways.  Anytime he wrote or spoke or offered resistance, he told this “new” story of nonviolence in all of its complexity. And all it starts with is a new assumption that nonviolence actually does work. Here’s the coolest part: once we take this as our “experimental hypothesis” (in nonviolence, we are always experimenting…) it is as though a new world of possibilities and knowledge emerges. It’s mind–and heart–expanding! Wow, I needed THAT. It seems appropriate here to riff off of Sufi poet Rumi, if you don’t mind: Between violence and passivity, there is a field. It’s called nonviolence, and I’ll meet you there.

 

 

Experiment in Nonviolence:

Imagine what the world would be like if we began with the assumption that nonviolence will work. What might be different?

 

Enjoy listening to Coleman Barks recite his translation of Rumi’s divine poem, referenced above. 

 

Daily Metta 250x250Daily Metta 2015, a service of the Metta Center for Nonviolence, is a daily reflection on the strategic and spiritual insights of Mahatma Gandhi in thought, word and deed. As Gandhi called his life an “experiment in truth,” we have included an experiment in nonviolence to accompany each Daily Metta. Check in every day for new inspiration. Each year will be dedicated to another wisdom teacher.