Conflict and War

Guest Blogger, my loved, Buddhist friend, Diane Lee ~

Today is the fifth anniversary the US invasion of Iraq. While some would say this war is just, others deem it unjustified and based on lies. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a society that was brutally invaded and held under the grip of a huge super power struggles to for the survival of their culture. A culture with a rich spiritual tradition, steeped in the steadfast belief in non-violence and compassion. For almost sixty years the world powers have not interceded in this situation. The US continues to borrow money from this brutal opportunistic invader, China. The world will watch as the Olympic Games are hosted by China. And yet, this super power continues to blame a simple monk who hasn’t been home in almost fifty years, for Tibetan resistance. The people of Tibet have rights to preserve their traditions, culture and language that China continues to deny. If the violence continues the Dalai Lama has stated he will give up his seat as the political head of Tibet. This doesn’t sound like a man inspiring violent protests to me. It could be that viewed that the next generation of Tibetans seems to be losing their patience with non-violent ways. Or it could be true that China is staging the violence to justify their continued dominance over this precious jewel.

The world is still watching and doing nothing to help Tibet, while we continue to pour money into a Middle Eastern country that has a commodity that everyone wants (oil). I am struck by contrast of these two conflicts, and the world’s response to them. I still strive to make aspirations for the end to suffering for all beings, even the ones who I disagree with, including the ones who would harm me. Today, I am reminded of a story about His Holiness the Dalai Lama. At the end of a talk he gave, someone asked him, “Why didn’t you fight back against the Chinese”? The Dalai Lama looked down, swung his feet just a bit, and then looked back up with a gentle smile and responded, “Well, war is obsolete you know.” After a few moments, he face turned grave, as he said “Of course, the mind can rationalize fighting back…but the heart, the heart would never understand. Then you would be divided in yourself, the heart and the mind, and the war would be inside of you.”

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