Theos-Talk Archives (August 2004 Message tt00635)

Hi all,

We've discussed the Buddha on war, but the Gita says of course: if
every means to avoid war has been tried, war is excusable and just
fight it without looking to the result and without letting it trouble
your mind. Act violently (if absolutely necessary), but avoid violent
thinking. Stay calm inside. Something like that (in my words).
Personally I don't feel the present war in Iraq qualifies in this
respect. The whole thing was started before all else had been tried. 

Katinka
--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "W.Dallas TenBroeck"
<dalval14@e...> wrote:
> 
> August 18 2004
> 
> RE: Buddha on WAR -- and the present 
> 
> Dear Friends:
> 
> You ask:
> 
> "In that case, what should we do about tyranny, terrorism, and every
> 
> kind of selfishness?
> 
> According to Buddha, what do we do when our only choices are
> inexcusable?" 
> 
> 
> I would suggest that each student of Theosophy makes up their own
minds on
> this. And take what actions they sense are correct, dignified and fit.
> 
> What is "inexcusable" to one may not be so to another. 
> 
> What are the basic principles involved?
> 
> What would "right action" (universal and impartial) be?
> 
> Buddha suggests always the "middle path" of moderation. 
> 
> To begin, he suggests getting accurate information. Then on the basis of
> fair and valid principles he suggests making moral and virtuous
decisions
> for ones' self. One can never go wrong on those. But this does not mean
> "following the leader." 
> 
> A practitioner of "non-violence," like Gandhi, finds a way of actively
> protesting, and liberates his country, in time. He discovers the
weak-point
> of oppression and advertises and exposes it. Others join him of
their own
> free will. Yes it is not suffering-free. 
> 
> The Principles of THEOSOPHY are plain. The Path of decision, and the
> applications thereof, give each aspirant and student the opportunity of
> actively participating in their own, and their country's elevation and
> progress. Is this not the ever-present line of self-elevation, and
Karmic
> progress -- for self and all? 
> 
> Since this is a matter for private consideration and decision, no one is
> entitled to criticize or demand explanations of another's actions. 
> 
> A country, community or nation declines when fear of consequences to
one's
> involvement in protesting unfair and unjust practises and impositions,
> elicits no protest or action. There are no "leaders" in such matters as
> each has to make decisions as free citizens for themselves. 
> 
> But when righteous suggestions are made, several can join and,
maintaining
> their independence, jointly contribute to ameliorate the condition and
> position of their country or community. 
> 
> In this case, inertia provides the field for further tyranny, and this
> proceeds to systematically overcome the indignation of individuals who
> witness abuse of the foundation principles of such a promising
country as
> America is. By doing nothing they have chosen to contribute to further
> degradation. 
> 
> It becomes the duty of every citizen to demand fair and just
applications,
> and the rule of Justice and Law. 
> 
> Evil flees when exposed. Evil has however a sly response: it seeks to
> compromise individuals by getting them to make bad choices under
threats and
> coercion. It has always been so. 
> 
> It is a good idea to re-read the BHAGAVAD GITA. The subject is dealt
with
> there in full. 
> 
> Best wishes, 
> 
> Dallas
> 
> ===================================
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bart 
> Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 8:44 PM
> To: 
> Subject: Re: Buddha on WAR
> 
> 
> W.Dallas TenBroeck wrote:
> 
> > 4	Ironing out difficulties and misunderstandings does not entail
> > violence or war. The curious and unanswerable question is: Why
should I
> or
> > anyone else, try to kill a perfectly unknown person or persons? Who
> > benefits by death or the maiming of others? 
> > 
> > 5	On the face of it, war is inexcusable, as also tyranny, terrorism,
> > and every kind of selfishness.
> 
> In that case, what should we do about tyranny, terrorism, and every 
> kind of selfishness?
> 
> According to Buddha, what do we do when our only choices are
> inexcusable?