Meditation of the week

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Meditation of the week

 

Meditation vs. War

 

& humans organize our perceptions of reality in a variety of ways, and

that we often shift between these modes without being aware of it. No

single mode reveals the absolute truth of the world around us, and

each has advantages and disadvantages. We also know that during war our

view of reality is quite different than it is in peacetime.

Lawrence LeShan

 

 

In his article, Why We Love War published in the Utne Reader,

January-February, 2003, Lawrence LeShan discusses mysticism and war as

two primary ways humans resolve the fundamental tension between

experience as an individual and as a member of the larger group. He

writes, On the one hand is the drive to be more and more unique and

individual, to heighten one's experience and being. On the other hand

is the drive to be a part of something larger, a full-fledged member of

the tribe.

 

As we go to war, we are faced with our individual weakness, but also

our significance as a part of the greater whole. War creates a sense of

focus, emotional engagement and awareness of the vital significance to

life. Not just the soldiers, but also the population at home enters an

alternate level of consciousness that is compelling, invigorating and

sometimes hypnotic.

 

Marchers for peace engage the same type of phenomenon as they join en

mass to voice their opposition, even when they may believe their

government will ignore them. The point is not just to register a vote

against war, but also to join with likeminded individuals to experience

solidarity, to be present and witness the collective will of the group.

The march through downtown is a dance representing the dynamic

interplay between individual experience and the overriding significance

of the cause. Individuals expressing opposition to government action

may become acutely aware of themselves as persons who have stepped over

a social line in the sand, and yet may experience a type of

self-transcendence as they put themselves at some personal risk to

express their convictions.

 

War and the opposition of it each help resolve a basic human dilemma

and LeShan points out that mysticism and meditation do too. Throughout

human history, we have had war and we have had mysticism. When one

meditates, it is possible to experience ones own phenomenal world in

sharper relief than is common in normal consciousness. Senses are

heightened, and we may have a better sense of who we really are. At the

same time we may have a perception of ourselves as intrinsically part

of the greater whole. We may come to better know our own being and

simultaneously sense that we are at one with all that is.

 

We can no longer afford to serve the god of war, whether through making

war or opposing war with hate in our hearts. We must cultivate

compassion and do what is right without allowing fear to carry us away.

As war flares, let us redouble our efforts to work on our own

consciousness. Let us dedicate our meditation practice and practice as

if the world depends upon it. We can't build peace through hate. We

won't realize our true nature by being distracted. If we want peace, we

must build it in our hearts.