If you are in a position to
prevent greater violence,
strike first and strike fast.
Dalai Lama
Said in another way, if violence against a malicious thug will save innocent lives, you should strike first and strike fast. This doesn’t mean that you are a violent person or that you promote violence. It simply means that you put what is right first and foremost in your life.
If someone claims to be a pacifist, but allows violence to happen to innocent people when he is in a position to prevent it, he is not a pacifist, but rather a coward. And in my book, he is not a real man. Real men put their personal feelings aside and do what’s right, no matter what they may want to do or feel like doing.
The Dalai Lama went on to say in another interview, “Sweet words can be violent when they intend harm, and harsh and tough action can be non-violent when it aims at the wellbeing of others.” This is a very interesting statement by the Dalai Lama.
How can sweet words be violent? It all depends on your intentions. You can cut down a thug who is about to murder an innocent family, and do so with nothing but love in your heart. This is action would not be based on a violent mindset, but rather would be an act of courage and love. You would be risking your own life to save the lives of another.
Jesus stated that, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” If you are willing to risk your life for someone else, that is an act of love, not violence. And it takes great honor and courage to voluntarily put yourself in that position.
Moreover, if you flatter someone or use sweet words to maliciously hurt or mislead someone, then you are acting with a violent spirit, although you may not be physically enacting violence. Again, it all boils down to your intentions.
I was reading a couple of books by a well-known author this week, and several times, he wrote how there is never any excuse for violence, a common statement among many in the New Age world. It is easy to make this statement when you have millions of dollars, live on a large estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and have no worries, but this is a totally bogus statement. Even the Dalai Lama knows that there is a time and place for everything.
The inconvenient truth is that there absolutely is a time and a place when violence is necessary, and where abstaining from violence is not only an act of cowardice, but the wrong thing to do. That time is when a violent act prevents a greater, unjust violent act.
Don’t live your life according to the bogus philosophy of those who live in a fantasy world. Remember that the only thing that will stop a violent, vicious thug is good men who are skilled in the art of violence. As J.R.R. Tolkien stated, “I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.” Make sure that love and righteousness is guiding your actions, not anger or hate.
The key is in your intention. Are you acting out of love to defend the weak and the innocent, or are you simply a violent person who enjoys hurting others? Remember, violence is not always physical, especially in today’s modern age. Make sure your intentions are honorable and your heart is at peace, then do what has to be done. Warrior up!
Thank you very much for the invitation :). Best wishes.
PS: How are you? I am from France 🙂
You are most welcome, Ron. Thank you very much for the great comment!
Bohdi, first off I wish to hail out a loud THANK YOU for this post.
Over the past couple of years I have wrestled with the issues surrounding “helping others” in a defensive encounter. With soooo many new people joining the hype of gun ownership, and neglecting to get proper training, I can see the potential for disaster(s).
Interestingly enough in your book titled Warrior Ethos the daily chapters of past couple of days have dealt with this very thing. I now see better where I could be wrong in not stepping forward to help others,,, regardless of risks of personal injury. I hope to be able to employ wisdom here, in lieu of reckless abandonment.
Thank you my friend,,, the words of wisdom have touched my defensive spirit.
Be well.