Working for Peace

I very much enjoy learning about various religious principles and practices. In the article “Working for Peace”, Hanh explains that in Buddhism, the pursuit of awareness is imperative. That is such a thought provoking statement. If nothing more, our existence should be driven by the quest of knowledge.
I appreciated how he personified the trees, rivers, planet, and the sun, making everything seem more alive. He describes us as being focused on the small body (our own physical embodiment) while obliterating the large self (everything around us). I just attended Annie Leornard’s “The Story of Stuff” and that statement has never seemed so true. We are gradually destroying our planet with a focus on the individual where we should be focusing on future preservation.
Hanh also explains that people typically focus on one side of a situation. Too often we see what we want to see. Such a view can truly inhibit our ability to attain awareness. Hanh therefore encourages people to try to acknowledge and understand both sides of a given disagreement.
I learned from this writing that I should open my mind and think about the implications of both sides. One should try and consider the personal experiences of others and how that has impacted their current actions and behaviors.

Voluntary Servitude

“Time to change has come and gone. Once your fears become your God. It’s your decision…” Those lyrics from the song “Your Decision” by Alice in Chains reverberate in my mind as I consider the profoundness of La Boétie’s “Voluntary Servitude”. I find it fascinating how the lyrics of the song corresponded with his message. The only power a dictator truly has is given to him by the people. But, time and time again, those people make a decision to be conquered. Some do so because they are afraid to oppose a tyrant. Others do so out of apathy.
La Boétie says, “A people enslaves itself.” By this, I believe he means that a blasé people would rather live in oppression, than act in opposition. It is not necessarily easier; but more comfortable to put on a façade than to deny power to a tyrant. But that is exactly what people have done throughout history.
It is also suggested that, violence is not the solution to tyranny. La Boétie says that, by not conforming to the forces a tyrant, people leave him with nothing. I believe La Boétie’s message is that, the true power when opposing a dictatorship comes from nonviolence. Violent action often leads to equally violent reaction, whereas, nonviolent action is the pulse of the oppressed, and has proven to be a powerful tool when defeating a dictator.