Scott,
In Zen practice, it is often necessary for a senior monk to strike a meditating monk sharply across the back with a bamboo sword, especially if the latter is nodding off. The following reminded me, in some way, of that kind of physical action leading to epiphany, enlightenment, satori:
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAPPEN UPON A PEACE RALLY
1) Approach the person talking about peace and saying there should be "no retaliation".
2) Have brief conversation, ask if military force is appropriate.
3) When they say "no," ask, "Why not?"
4) When they say, "because that would just cause more innocent deaths, which would be awful, and we should not cause more violence".
5) Punch him in the face... hard.
6) When he gets up to punch you back, point out that it would be a mistake, and contrary to his values, to punch you because he would be increasing the violence.
7) When he agrees that he has pledged not to commit violence, punch him in the face again... harder this time.
8) Repeat steps 2 through 8 until he understands that sometimes it is necessary to punch back. |
