Peaceful action

lobster

Like many martial artists, I know a variety of ways to kill, maim and defend. As I have become more proficient, I can confidently dissuade violence by peaceful presence.
However I am still an animal, partly clawed and part monkey. In the wrong situation and circumstance, fear adrenalin and aggression might kick into operation involuntarily. If I was motivated to set myself on fire, or others, or kill or train others to kill out of 'compassion' for their plight, I know full well that it is pain, fear and anger that is my causal base. Others may be of a higher calling, that is for them to find out.
I know experienced martial artists are often gentle, placid and peaceable precisely because of their skills. A buddhist militia is an oxymoron. This is partial Buddhism . . . and unskillful . . . for all but the most skilled.

If we can and not all of us have the privilege, we try and engage, resonate and develop peaceful means. Peace is a path, a process and an intent. In a world of war, torment and injustice we need to choose the path of right livelihood and right action more than ever . . .

peace be with you all

ZenBadger

I have had more confidence to not return violence with violence since I really got to grips with the martial arts which made me think about the cause of violent behaviour. I think it is often true that violence comes from insecurity, from an inability to make a point intellectually, an inability to recognise unskillful behaviour or from an inability to deal with being one of the "have-nots". Being secure in the knowledge that you could handle the situation either verbally or with the minimum force necessary often means that you feel less exposed when handling the situation non-violently.