In order to achieve peace, it starts with each one of us. Just as a harmful act sends out energy waves effecting everyone around, so too does an act of kindness. Once you do a harmful act, it is too late; you cannot go back in time and change it. We must clear our mind of evil thoughts to prevent ourselves from committing evil actions. Rather, we must focus on good thoughts that would lead us to carry out good actions.
We are accountable to our loved ones, ancestors, but most importantly to ourselves. We must all be disciplined to control our emotions and be responsible for everything we do. I believe in the following teaching of accountability that we must live by to make our world more peaceful.
1. Right View: Believe in the law of cause and effect and not to be deceived by appearances and desires.
2. Right Thought: The resolution not to cherish desires, not to be greedy, not to be angry, and not to do any harmful deed.
3. Right Speech: The avoidance of lying words, idle words, abusive words, and double tongues.
4. Right Behavior: Not to destroy any life or steal.
5. Right Livelihood: Avoid any life that would bring shame.
6. Right Effort: Try to do one’s best diligently toward the right direction.
7. Right Mindfulness: Maintain a pure and thoughtful mind.
8. Right Concentration: Keep the mind right and tranquil for its concentration, seeking to realize the mind’s pure essence.
So how does this teaching of self control and accountability apply in making our world more peaceful? I will give you examples.
The way you phrase your words can make all the difference between a confrontation and a cordial resolve. You can come out criticizing the person on what you think he or she did wrong, which could result in that person retaliating. Or you could tell the person how you were hurt and tell him or her you want to try and work it out together.
People get upset for minor reasons such as impatience. When a person gets upset because he or she is impatient to wait for a car trying to park in front of them is another example. They give their negative energy to a person who may be one of the kindest people. Worse case scenario, that person retaliates and hurts or kills them. So what does getting angry achieve? Nothing.
A person gets angry because he doesn’t like his life. He wants power and control and takes it out on women by raping them. The survivor of rape is emotionally impacted and so are the people who care for her. The rapist did not control his mind and his actions, and he did not take responsibility for the suffering in his life. As a result, he causes more people to suffer.
Lastly, a politician can choose to hate his enemy and lead a nation to war. On the other hand, a politician can reach out and understand his enemy. Small acts of kindness such as showing your desire to resolve differences without violence, exchanging culture, promoting trade, and even praying to the dead souls of your enemy may change the way your enemy views you and your nation. Even a foe can turn into a friend.
We are not perfect, but we have to make an effort to do acts of kindness and avoid hurtful acts. I am tired of people blaming others. Instead, they should put the blame on themselves. If they are so selfish that they cannot take responsibility and all they do is hurt people. Rather than hurting others, I would rather they put their blame on me. I will take their negative energy and convert it to positive energy to make our world better.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 