“Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tomorrow we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his work in the world. He can serve as an inspiration for us during this divisive time. His courage and steadfastness, his commitment to act from love rather than hate or revenge, can serve as an example for us to follow as we discern how we can contribute to sowing love rather than perpetuating hate.
Dr. King was deeply influenced by Gandhi and traveled to India to learn more about nonviolent activism. The root of nonviolent action is harmlessness (ahimsa). Ahimsa is the first, and foundational, of the five restraints (or yamas) of Kriya Yoga. The yamas guide us in how to interact with others and the world. The first task of ahimsa or harmlessness is to do no harm, whether with our thoughts, words, or actions. But to practice ahimsa fully, we must transform anger and hatred into love and compassion.
We must acknowledge our common humanity, our capacity to be misguided and to make mistakes. This does not mean we condone harmful behavior but rather that we do not perpetuate it. Only when we choose love and compassion over hate, can we stop the cycle of harm. Hate not only harms others but ourselves as well. As Dr. King reminds us, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
As we develop a steady meditation practice, we increase our ability to stay even minded as we navigate the turbulent seas of changing circumstances in our world. It is then that we can consciously choose love.
Rev. Nita Shankari Kenyon