Howard Thurman in his sermons on Jesus and the Disenfranchised poses an interesting dilemma about valuing country over life. In his words: “During times of war hatred becomes quite respectable, even though it has to masquerade often under the guise of patriotism.” Let us not become haters of one another–haters of our shared humanity– under any guise at… read more
Tag Archives: interconnection
Expansive Notion: Daily Metta
“Man is both matter and spirit, each acting on and affecting the other.” ~ Gandhi, Mind of Mahatma Gandhi, p. 80 We might consider that one of Gandhi’s greatest insights was that he saw humanity, life in general, as more than meets the eye. A vision like this cannot but express itself in nonviolent action;… read more
“Not a grain, not a minute”–Daily Metta
August 4: “You may not waste a grain of rice or a scrap of paper, and similarly a minute of your time. It is not ours. It belongs to the nation and we are trustees of it.” –Gandhi (Young India, March 19, 1925) In Gandhian economics we have seen the concept of trusteeship, which he… read more
“Cecil the Lion and Us”–Daily Metta
July 30: “Not to hurt any living thing is no doubt a part of ahimsa. But it is its least expression.” –Gandhi (From Yeravda Mandir) The killing of a beloved 13-year-old, protected African lion, known as Cecil, has prompted an outpouring of grief from around the world for this noble creature. His death speaks to… read more
Heart Unity
Heart unity is a critical pillar of Gandhi’s system that holds out the vision of unity-in-diversity. Gandhi recognized and cherished unity at the heart or spiritual level of being. He equally valued diversity on the surface level, in differences of race, gender, worldview, and even of status, wealth, and power. This valuation of surface diversity differentiates… read more
