Nonviolence

Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich

On this blog I plan to write extensively on the philosophy, history, practices and applications of Nonviolence. In the coming weeks I will discuss the six principals of Kingian Nonviolence:

1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people
2. The beloved community is the framework for the future
3. Attack forces of evil not persons doing evil
4. Accept suffering without retalliation for the sake of the cause to achieve the goal
5. Avoid internal violence of the spirit as well as external physical violence
6. The universe is on the side of justice

Yet before going anything further I will take time to describe what Nonviolence is to me, and why I feel so passionately about it and am now dedicated to following its path.

When I first heard civil rights pioneer and world wide advocate Dr. Bernard Lafayette speak about Nonviolence, I immediately began to retreat from the idea I held at the time that violence was an appropriate tool be used to create a better society. This transformation continues to this day as I do my best to nurture the seeds of Nonviolence and make the philosophy an actual life practice. There are several things that draw me to the Nonviolent way of life, and the use of Nonviolence for social change.

Firstly, the philosophy of Nonviolence aligns with the teachings of all the great spiritual sages who have graced this planet. Jesus’ message of ‘Love Thy Enemy’, the Buddhist philosophy of Harmlessness come to mind, as well as the duty to serve and assist others that is found throughout religions and spiritual practices. Nonviolence invokes these principals in a practical application; dynamically using love and understanding to change one’s life and lead social change.

The most powerful aspect of Nonviolence as a tool for social change is the fact that it works. You can never be defeated when Nonviolence as a strategy and way of life has been adopted. As Gandhi made clear “they may torture my body, break my bones, even kill me, then they will have my dead body. Not my obedience." Add along to this the fact that a Nonviolent practitioner strives to love his assailant, and is resolute in their stance; the violence inflicted on a nonviolent person only magnifies the faults of violence and sheds greater light on the righteousness of Nonviolence. The assailant’s tools of suppression are useless and only further the cause of the Nonviolent crusader. What a great strategy! When one happily invites self-suffering, has no fear of prison or physical harm and loves others under any circumstance, they cannot be defeated. This is the power of Nonviolence.

Finally when violence is unfortunatly used to achieve an end, violence will gain credence as an acceptable way to create positive change which only fuels the cycle of violence. Just take a look at the United States of America, a country who gained its liberty through a violent revolution. This set a precedent that violence is a suitable way to gain freedom, subsequently the United States and it’s citizens have never shied away from using force and invasion to “free” other nations. This cycle must be broken. Means and ends need to be consistent, for if we really want peace in this world it begins with us and how we choose to struggle for a better world. Just as violence begets violence, love begets love and peace begets peace. The practice and harvesting of Nonviolence is essential for creating any lasting, dynamic change to our world.

There are many more aspects of Nonviolence that I will explore on The Satyagragha. Including the fundamental idea of have no enemies, that any person can be transformed into an essential ally, and the fact that Nonviolence and self-suffering replaces the philosophy of punishment. I look forward to continuing to share this space with you.