By Nicolas Katkevich
Attack forces of evil not persons doing evil, is in many ways, the one principle of Kingian Nonviolence that the progressive movement immediately needs to adopt in order to become more effective in their pursuits and to begin tapping in to the power of Nonviolence.
During the recent Bush presidency I attended several anti-war/pro-peace demonstrations. At all of these demonstrations were signs, caricatures and chants denouncing George W. Bush as an ignorant fool. The energy and spirit was full of hate directed towards the man. While it is quite understandable as to why there would be anger and outrage direct at Mr. Bush; this type of hate and focused attack on an individual accomplishes nothing. The United States militarism, economic disparity and other social ills are not the fault of one person. Nor will these issues be resolved simply by electing the correct person into power. Rather, if we want to create true change, we must address the root conditions and causes of our country’s problems. We must create systemic, lasting change. This is where our energy must be focused.
Look at our situation today. George Bush is gone, and a new Democratic President is in office, and yet we still are fighting wars in the Middle East. It is clear that war and militarism were not solely energies stemming from Bush; rather the philosophy and use of violence is something that plagues us all. We must work together to overcome violence at the local and international level, through awakening peace within ourselves and by showing others the faults of violence.
Moreover, we must carry on movements with the realization that even our greatest enemy my soon be our greatest ally. Through our self-suffering we must look to arouse the conscious and hearts of not only the public, but our assailants as well. For the goal of Nonviolence is to win over people’s hearts and to create a “win-win” situation rather then a “win-loose” situation that we are accustomed to. We must reach out warmly, yet firmly to our assailants and show them that we do not wish to punish them, yet uplift them. Our love and compassion cannot be limited to only those whom we currently consider our friends and allies. Only through the power of Agape, unconditional love, will we be able to transform ourselves, our communities and our world.
Showing posts with label Nicolas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nicolas. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Babaji
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
The poem below is said to be the last message of Shri Haidakhan Babaji, a spirtual leader from India. I have this posted on a wall in my bedroom and I find it to be a great outline of how one should aspire to live their life. I thought I should share it on this blog:
Love and serve all humanity.
Assist everyone.
Be happy, be courteous.
Be a dynamo of irrepressible joy.
Recognize God and goodness in every face.
There is no saint without a past and no sinner without a future.
Praise everyone. If you cannot praise someone, let them out of your life.
Be original, be inventive.
Be courageous. Take courage again and again.
Do not imitate; be strong, be upright.
Do not lean on the crutches of others.
Think with your own head. Be yourself.
All perfection and every divine virtue are hidden within you. Reveal them to the world.
Wisdom, too, is already within you. Let it shine forth.
Let the Lord's grace set you free.
Let your life be that of the rose; in silence, it speaks the language of fragrance.
I am always with you
Shri Babaji
1984
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Howard Zinn
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
Howard Zinn passed away yesterday at the age of 87. Zinn was a dynamic and insightful author, activist and speaker who eloquently critiqued the American government and it's use of war and deception. Here is a quick video of Mr. Zinn recently speaking about President Obama and the wars in the Middle East.
Howard Zinn passed away yesterday at the age of 87. Zinn was a dynamic and insightful author, activist and speaker who eloquently critiqued the American government and it's use of war and deception. Here is a quick video of Mr. Zinn recently speaking about President Obama and the wars in the Middle East.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Military Budget: Staggering Spending, Simple Solution
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
President Obama has announced his intention to “freeze” the budgets of certain domestic programs (EPA, Health and Human Services, etc.) at their current level for the coming years. Exempt from this “freeze” are “security programs” such as the budgets of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. It is very unfortunate that President Obama has not included the Defense Budget in this proposed freeze. In Reality the Defense budget needs not only to be capped, it needs to be drastically reduced. Under the guidance of this Administration the Department’s budget for 2010 is projected to reach $682 Billion, a $13 billion rise over fiscal year 2009. American needs to take a new path.
Just as we work for peace for ours inner selves and within our communities, spreading the word that violence does not solve problems, the United States government must also follow suit and move away from military might as a means of protection and security. For as long as the United States has a dominant world wide military presence, war waged by America will persist. With so much money and resources invested in the military; whenever a conflict of some sort arises, military use will be a first choice of action. The option of military force must be greatly diminished. The most direct way to achieve this goal is to curb the military budget and reinvest those resources into rebuilding America’s crippled economy and infrastructure.
I propose cutting the Department of Defense budget in half by 2030 to $340 billion. To accomplish this goal about $17 billion would have to be cut from the Defense budget each year. Decreasing the Defense Budget at this rate for would, compared to if the DoD continued to maintain it’s current funding, save $3.57 Trillion dollars over the twenty-year span. These funds would be allocated to rebuilding our economy, investing in green energy and reconstructing our nation’s infrastructure. Moreover the funds saved over this time period could easily wipe out America’s $1.35 trillion dollar debt. Closing overseas military bases (in Japan, Germany, Italy etc.), reducing our nuclear weapons capacity and ending the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan would be great initial steps to achieving this goal. I believe that America can take this path, and it is only through drastically reducing the military budget that our nation not only thrive, but also become a moral beacon for the world.
President Obama has announced his intention to “freeze” the budgets of certain domestic programs (EPA, Health and Human Services, etc.) at their current level for the coming years. Exempt from this “freeze” are “security programs” such as the budgets of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. It is very unfortunate that President Obama has not included the Defense Budget in this proposed freeze. In Reality the Defense budget needs not only to be capped, it needs to be drastically reduced. Under the guidance of this Administration the Department’s budget for 2010 is projected to reach $682 Billion, a $13 billion rise over fiscal year 2009. American needs to take a new path.
Just as we work for peace for ours inner selves and within our communities, spreading the word that violence does not solve problems, the United States government must also follow suit and move away from military might as a means of protection and security. For as long as the United States has a dominant world wide military presence, war waged by America will persist. With so much money and resources invested in the military; whenever a conflict of some sort arises, military use will be a first choice of action. The option of military force must be greatly diminished. The most direct way to achieve this goal is to curb the military budget and reinvest those resources into rebuilding America’s crippled economy and infrastructure.
I propose cutting the Department of Defense budget in half by 2030 to $340 billion. To accomplish this goal about $17 billion would have to be cut from the Defense budget each year. Decreasing the Defense Budget at this rate for would, compared to if the DoD continued to maintain it’s current funding, save $3.57 Trillion dollars over the twenty-year span. These funds would be allocated to rebuilding our economy, investing in green energy and reconstructing our nation’s infrastructure. Moreover the funds saved over this time period could easily wipe out America’s $1.35 trillion dollar debt. Closing overseas military bases (in Japan, Germany, Italy etc.), reducing our nuclear weapons capacity and ending the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan would be great initial steps to achieving this goal. I believe that America can take this path, and it is only through drastically reducing the military budget that our nation not only thrive, but also become a moral beacon for the world.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Courage
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people, this is the first principal of Kingian Nonviolence. Nonviolence in this regard is not simply the absence of violence, or stepping out of a system to live a passive lifestyle. Rather, Nonviolence is a dynamic active force and a way of living, thinking, looking at others and pursuing social change with love. It is not simply something which can be turned off with a switch; Nonviolence must be a way of life.
In this world full of violence, aggression and suppression, it takes courage to take a stand and insist upon following the path of Nonviolence. Change, especially a deep change in one’s world outlook is a big step to take. It takes courage. Once on the path even more courage is needed to stand up for what is right, to sacrifice time and energy for a just cause and to put justice ahead of your own physical well-being. For as many great Nonviolent leaders, from Jesus Christ to Martin Luther King discovered, a Nonviolent lifestyle has a way of upsetting the status quo, often leaving the stagnate system to respond with the only weapons it knows: violence, imprisonment and murder. Yet once one vanquishes fear of these tools of suppression from their consciousness, the weapons are made futile. With courage and fearlessness, Nonviolence disarms the supposed power of guns, jail cells, police batons and torture. When a person is not afraid of death, they are free.
Living a life of Nonviolence means to water the seeds of fearlessness. This is done by continually harvesting the courage that is rooted in a confidence of humanity; knowing that if we allow love and compassion to steer our life, there is not a thing to worry about for the Universe is on the side of justice. Moreover instead of punishing those who seem to be assailants, a Nonviolent person practices self-suffering as a way to cleanse themselves and to move the hearts of others so that they are obliged to reflect on their own actions. Happily using the tool of self-suffering for the sake of a just cause takes mighty courage as well.
Who has more courage? A person hiding behind a fortification, strapped with armor aiming their automatic weapon at supposed enemy a hundred yards away, or a Nonviolent person, with love in their heart, fearing no man, happily and fearlessly marching for a just cause into a rain of screaming bullets? Although quite extreme, this example put fourth by Mohandas Gandhi clearly sheds light onto the magnitude of courage a dedicated Nonviolent practitioner can manifest. Truly Nonviolence is a Way of Life for Courageous People.
Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people, this is the first principal of Kingian Nonviolence. Nonviolence in this regard is not simply the absence of violence, or stepping out of a system to live a passive lifestyle. Rather, Nonviolence is a dynamic active force and a way of living, thinking, looking at others and pursuing social change with love. It is not simply something which can be turned off with a switch; Nonviolence must be a way of life.
In this world full of violence, aggression and suppression, it takes courage to take a stand and insist upon following the path of Nonviolence. Change, especially a deep change in one’s world outlook is a big step to take. It takes courage. Once on the path even more courage is needed to stand up for what is right, to sacrifice time and energy for a just cause and to put justice ahead of your own physical well-being. For as many great Nonviolent leaders, from Jesus Christ to Martin Luther King discovered, a Nonviolent lifestyle has a way of upsetting the status quo, often leaving the stagnate system to respond with the only weapons it knows: violence, imprisonment and murder. Yet once one vanquishes fear of these tools of suppression from their consciousness, the weapons are made futile. With courage and fearlessness, Nonviolence disarms the supposed power of guns, jail cells, police batons and torture. When a person is not afraid of death, they are free.
Living a life of Nonviolence means to water the seeds of fearlessness. This is done by continually harvesting the courage that is rooted in a confidence of humanity; knowing that if we allow love and compassion to steer our life, there is not a thing to worry about for the Universe is on the side of justice. Moreover instead of punishing those who seem to be assailants, a Nonviolent person practices self-suffering as a way to cleanse themselves and to move the hearts of others so that they are obliged to reflect on their own actions. Happily using the tool of self-suffering for the sake of a just cause takes mighty courage as well.
Who has more courage? A person hiding behind a fortification, strapped with armor aiming their automatic weapon at supposed enemy a hundred yards away, or a Nonviolent person, with love in their heart, fearing no man, happily and fearlessly marching for a just cause into a rain of screaming bullets? Although quite extreme, this example put fourth by Mohandas Gandhi clearly sheds light onto the magnitude of courage a dedicated Nonviolent practitioner can manifest. Truly Nonviolence is a Way of Life for Courageous People.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Veterans
-A third of all Homeless Men in the Country are Veterans
-18 Veterans Commit Suicide Each Day
-Over 300,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome or Major Depression while 320,000 have suffered brain injuries.
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
These statistics deal a decisive blow to the aged perception that the military and our government unquestionably support our veterans and that individuals fighting war are immune to the horror of armed conflict. As a Shelter Manager at a Homeless Shelter in Phoenix, I have met dozens of individuals who served in the military and now find themselves without the adequate support to live comfortably and safely. I have yet to interact with a veteran who glorified battle, as most veterans I have spoken too do not wish to speak too deeply about their experience in war.
Yet just last night I had the opportunity to speak with a veteran who was part of a Helicopter Medic unit during the Vietnam War. During outreach work we had found the gentleman under a bridge where he was escaping from a rare rainy night in Arizona. He related to me the valuable insight that even for the strongest of men, war is an absolutely terrifying, sorrowing experience. He had seen close friends die, seen men in his unit loose their limbs and seemed confused as to why he made it out with his physical body intact. I hope the leaders of our country can take a moment and imagine their best friend, and imagine seeing them killed before your eyes. How do you think you would handle bearing witness to such horror? Even the thought of this experience is very disturbing and painful. It is easy to see why so many veterans have great difficulty coping with their experience of war. Moreover it is easy to understand why war is not a natural part of human existence, yet only a folly manifested by misunderstanding and ignorance.
Veterans are direct victims of war; experiencing death, destruction and confusion in an abundance that we shall never see. We must listen to, understand and love our veterans. Their stories of sorrow, death and suffering need to be heard. The pain they experience must be utilized as an energy for us to clearly understand the tragedy of war and to work towards opening the hearts and minds of our leader so that they too can see the ramifications of war. It is time to help our veterans and do what we can to ensure that war is no longer an option for America.
-18 Veterans Commit Suicide Each Day
-Over 300,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome or Major Depression while 320,000 have suffered brain injuries.
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
These statistics deal a decisive blow to the aged perception that the military and our government unquestionably support our veterans and that individuals fighting war are immune to the horror of armed conflict. As a Shelter Manager at a Homeless Shelter in Phoenix, I have met dozens of individuals who served in the military and now find themselves without the adequate support to live comfortably and safely. I have yet to interact with a veteran who glorified battle, as most veterans I have spoken too do not wish to speak too deeply about their experience in war.
Yet just last night I had the opportunity to speak with a veteran who was part of a Helicopter Medic unit during the Vietnam War. During outreach work we had found the gentleman under a bridge where he was escaping from a rare rainy night in Arizona. He related to me the valuable insight that even for the strongest of men, war is an absolutely terrifying, sorrowing experience. He had seen close friends die, seen men in his unit loose their limbs and seemed confused as to why he made it out with his physical body intact. I hope the leaders of our country can take a moment and imagine their best friend, and imagine seeing them killed before your eyes. How do you think you would handle bearing witness to such horror? Even the thought of this experience is very disturbing and painful. It is easy to see why so many veterans have great difficulty coping with their experience of war. Moreover it is easy to understand why war is not a natural part of human existence, yet only a folly manifested by misunderstanding and ignorance.
Veterans are direct victims of war; experiencing death, destruction and confusion in an abundance that we shall never see. We must listen to, understand and love our veterans. Their stories of sorrow, death and suffering need to be heard. The pain they experience must be utilized as an energy for us to clearly understand the tragedy of war and to work towards opening the hearts and minds of our leader so that they too can see the ramifications of war. It is time to help our veterans and do what we can to ensure that war is no longer an option for America.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Martin Luther King Jr.
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
Martin Luther King Day is one holiday of the greatest official American holidays. It is a day to honor a revolutionary, a man who dedicated his life to transforming communities and challenging the practices of the United States government. Although Mr. King is remembered most for his astounding leadership within the Civil Rights movement, he dedicated the later years of his life organizing to combat systemic poverty and to speaking out against the Vietnam War. If you have a moment today I would recommend spending some time listening to Dr. King's speech "Why I am Opposed to the War in Vietnam". The wisdom and insight of the speech still deeply resonates with the current state of America and the country's continued reliance on war and militarism:
Martin Luther King Day is one holiday of the greatest official American holidays. It is a day to honor a revolutionary, a man who dedicated his life to transforming communities and challenging the practices of the United States government. Although Mr. King is remembered most for his astounding leadership within the Civil Rights movement, he dedicated the later years of his life organizing to combat systemic poverty and to speaking out against the Vietnam War. If you have a moment today I would recommend spending some time listening to Dr. King's speech "Why I am Opposed to the War in Vietnam". The wisdom and insight of the speech still deeply resonates with the current state of America and the country's continued reliance on war and militarism:
Saturday, January 16, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Move Your Money Campaign
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
There is a movement encouraging people to move their funds from large "too big to fail banks" to local community banks, many of which are non-profit. This is a direct way to take a stand against the large financial institutions who's actions led to our ravished economy. Check out the video below and visit http://moveyourmoney.info/ for more information:
There is a movement encouraging people to move their funds from large "too big to fail banks" to local community banks, many of which are non-profit. This is a direct way to take a stand against the large financial institutions who's actions led to our ravished economy. Check out the video below and visit http://moveyourmoney.info/ for more information:
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
What is Revolution?
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
When I was young I aspired to be a revolutionary. I wanted to help people, and political revolution seemed like an exciting way of accomplishing this goal. Through my years of meditating on revolution and how to achieve it, I have come to the realization that real revolution is a holistic, patient and simple path. A path far removed from the sizzle of action I had once hoped for.
The change must start with us. Everyday we make choices, what to eat, what to wear, how to treat others, what to do with our spare time. These choices play an intricate role in directing the path of our society. If we are truly unsatisfied by the current political and cultural system that dominates our society, then we must take the initiative and make choices that invoke the change we wish to see. Revolution cannot just be political; it must be holistic in its scope. If change is what we want then it would be wise for us to reexamine all aspects of our life and see if they are in line with our moral standards and spiritual aspirations. As a community it is important to take responsibility for the world in which we live in, and if we are not satisfied with it, it is up to us to begin taking steps to change it.
It is easy to become overwhelmed with constant news of war, poverty and climate change. One can become so overburdened with sad news that they no longer feel that they have the energy to carry on. I have consoled this sorrow with the understanding that since everything is interconnected, we have an opportunity every moment to improve this world. How exciting! Furthermore I believe that while there are many things we cannot control in this world, there are also many choices that we can make and it is up to us to make the most of the opportunities that we have. World peace starts with how we treat those in our neighborhood, ending poverty begins with vanquishing greed from our own mind, and a more sustainable future will only happen if we alter our eating and living habits. It begins with us.
Let’s Get It
When I was young I aspired to be a revolutionary. I wanted to help people, and political revolution seemed like an exciting way of accomplishing this goal. Through my years of meditating on revolution and how to achieve it, I have come to the realization that real revolution is a holistic, patient and simple path. A path far removed from the sizzle of action I had once hoped for.
The change must start with us. Everyday we make choices, what to eat, what to wear, how to treat others, what to do with our spare time. These choices play an intricate role in directing the path of our society. If we are truly unsatisfied by the current political and cultural system that dominates our society, then we must take the initiative and make choices that invoke the change we wish to see. Revolution cannot just be political; it must be holistic in its scope. If change is what we want then it would be wise for us to reexamine all aspects of our life and see if they are in line with our moral standards and spiritual aspirations. As a community it is important to take responsibility for the world in which we live in, and if we are not satisfied with it, it is up to us to begin taking steps to change it.
It is easy to become overwhelmed with constant news of war, poverty and climate change. One can become so overburdened with sad news that they no longer feel that they have the energy to carry on. I have consoled this sorrow with the understanding that since everything is interconnected, we have an opportunity every moment to improve this world. How exciting! Furthermore I believe that while there are many things we cannot control in this world, there are also many choices that we can make and it is up to us to make the most of the opportunities that we have. World peace starts with how we treat those in our neighborhood, ending poverty begins with vanquishing greed from our own mind, and a more sustainable future will only happen if we alter our eating and living habits. It begins with us.
Let’s Get It
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Genesis
For the wellbeing of humanity we must live sustainably, courageously and compassionately; it is our duty. If we neglect this duty our brothers and sisters all around us will suffer unduly and as individuals, we will not realize our greatest potential. Currently violence, disregard for our environment, poor health choices and materialization plague our existence. It is upon each of us to transform these ills and uplift our communities. We each have unique roles to play, skills to dedicate and paths to tread, yet it is only together that we can transform this world. TheSatyagraha.org is a forum dedicated to chronicling the challenges that face our humanity and fostering discussion of means to overcome these challenges and build a more sustainable future.
Satyagraha is a term that was first coined by Mohandas Gandhi to describe the essence of his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. When asked to define the term, Gandhi stated that Satyagraha is “the force which is born of truth and love”. Truth and Love are the gatekeepers of self-realization and they light the path that leads to the practice of serving others. We must cultivate and harvest Truth and Love as forces for personal and social transformation. This website hopes to play a role in manifesting such forces.
Thank you for your interest in TheSatyagraha.org. Check back frequently for new posts and please let us know if you have any ideas that may enhance the experience of this website. Let us work together for a more compassionate, healthy and peaceful world.
In Unity,
Nicolas Katkevich
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