September 28: “History gives not a single example of Swaraj won by holding meetings.” –Gandhi (Day to Day with Gandhi, vol. 4, p. 166) Wow, even Gandhi did not love endless meetings. Not surprising actually–he emphasized that the only way to win Independence was through action; through, in his words, “blood and sweat.” He was… read more
Tag Archives: Nonviolence
“Deep ecology and Gandhi”–Daily Metta
September 27: “I want to realize brotherhood and identify not merely with the beings called human, but I want to realize identify with all life, even with such beings that crawl on the earth.” –Gandhi (Mahatma, Vol. 2) When I read these words of Mahatma Gandhi, I cannot help but think of Arne Naess, the… read more
“Lessons on disappointment”–Daily Metta
September 26: “There is no word ‘disappointment’ in my dictionary.” –Gandhi (Day to Day with Mahatma Gandhi, vol. 4) “Swaraj in one year!” This was the cry that Gandhi used to ignite non-cooperation in 1921; however, Independence did not take place that year, nor for another 26, to be precise! Someone came to Gandhi and… read more
“Finding the perfect bed-time”–Daily Metta
September 25: “I am experimenting.” –Gandhi (Harijan, July 23, 1938) One of the most rewarding things we can do to support our very busy lives is to establish a routine. An ideal one would integrate care for the health of the mind, body and spirit every day, balancing time for oneself with time with others,… read more
“Lysistrata–more than a play”–Daily Metta
September 24: “I want women to learn the primary right of resistance.” –Gandhi (Harijan, September 12, 1936) Greek comic poet Aristophanes is probably most famous for his play Lysistrata, a story about war and the women who resisted it. How did they do it? By withholding sexual privileges from their husbands until reconciliation between Sparta… read more
“Mother Teresa and Gandhiji”–Daily Metta
September 23: “The contrast between the rich and the poor today is a painful sight.” –Gandhi (Harijan, March 31, 1946) Very often, when people associate others with Gandhi, they think of Mother Teresa. But what is it that they have in common? While she was not leading a political or even economic movement, we might… read more
“My duty to love you”–Daily Metta
September 22: “I do not love you because you agree to love me. I love you because I feel it is my duty to love you.” –Gandhi (Day to Day with Gandhi, Volume 4) In the Dhammapada, the Buddha points out a sad but familiar dynamic between us human beings; namely, “people will blame you… read more
“International Day of Peace”–Daily Metta
September 21: “I can say with confidence that if the world is to have peace, nonviolence is the means to that end and no other.” –Gandhi (Harijan, July 20, 1947) On International Day of Peace, what better way to celebrate than to remember that peace is something we can–must–learn. It is not a question of… read more
“Frans de Waal and Animal Behavior”–Podcast
We cite his work all of the time at Metta, and this week we were honored to have the distinguished ethologist, biologist, Prof. Frans de Waal join our show to discuss some of his really fascinating research into animal behavior, specifically around reconciliation, conflict resolution, empathy, rituals…and even death! A very enjoyable discussion. His interview… read more
“People can change for the better”–Daily Metta
September 20: “My faith in human nature is irrepressible and even under the circumstances of a most adverse character.” –Gandhi (Young India, January 1, 1920) Faith in human nature sounds naive and foolish. But why should it be? For those who long for a nonviolent alternative to our educational, political, and even criminal justice systems,… read more
