9th June 2008

Barbara: We’ve been reading the transcript 070926 about co-responsibility for peace or violence in the world. You have spoken about this before. In 4 months we have a presidential election. Of course all of us want world peace, but we differ on our views of how to attain peace, and thus, on which candidate can best lead us there. I certainly am not asking you to endorse a candidate, but can you give us some suggestions of how to best invite this elusive peace we wish to see.

Aaron: I am Aaron. My blessings and love to you. Do you remember years ago, on personal retreat, you stayed at a house with large woods just down the road? There was a troublesome dog who ran out to the road snarling and snapping every time you walked past his house. You wanted to walk in the woods but were afraid of and angry about the dog. So there was desire for the lovely refuge of the woods, and also ambivalence because the dog threatened. You did not know how best to approach the situation.

Should you forget about walking in the woods and avoid the dog? Should you walk past and ignore the dog, hoping he would not attack? Should you confront the dog with angry voice or stick? In the end, you offered statements of metta (loving-kindness) to the dog and yourself as you walked past, knowing that would not guarantee he would not attack. It would only serve to open your heart so you did not have an attitude of self-identity with the fear and anger that arose. This open heart would change your energy so the dog might perceive you differently. And he did. He still snarled at you, but not nearly as fiercely. It also freed you from the unwholesome karma of your antagonism to the dog.