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Ekyo's Blog Sharing form the heart
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Bright light, deep shadows |
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January 7, 2008 Bright light and sharp shadows come together… Psychologist may consider shadows to be a “dark side” of personality. Others may see this as the light of lamp one is looking for when searching for something lost. The study of Buddha Dharma is much deeper than this. In Diamond Sutra Buddha says: “This is everywhere, without degree and differentiation…” Thinking about the story told by grandson of Gandhi, I recall another one. Rochester City has rather high level of violence. From time to time there is a forum of people from different walks of live trying to find the way to improve this situation. One such meeting attracted my attention. Among professionals, such as mayor, chief of police, social workers, politicians and clergy there was a young man, African American. He was a former gang leader and served a time in jail. Later he became an activist working against violence. The conversation was very insightful to me. All professionals were addressing the issue of punishment, more jail time, more prosecutions and police on the streets. Young man was trying to convey to them what was the root of problem. Of course he knew since has been living in violent environment. If one is constantly abused one becomes abuser later in life. Belonging to the gang gives one some identity and acceptance and the only sense of value is a power to kill. This is chilling reality of many children in the inner city. Officials, of course, were from different class, so how could they understand? How could they help? It seemed to me that the only person who knew what to do, and who could clearly see the problem was this former gang leader. I was very inspired by his words…
Last Sunday I was lucky to catch a part of an interview with a grandson of Mahatma Gandhi aired on loco public TV. I am sure I missed most of it. Reporter was curious about how non-violent methods can be used in the task of raising children. Most parents do punish children, but our western ways are “violent” in nature. Spanking, shouting or depraving a child of something he likes are common forms of punishment. She asked an older by now man weather the non-violent spirit of Gandhi was alive in his family. The man told the following story about his father. I deeply remember one day from my teenage years. My father had to go to the city to attend a conference, which would last entire day. He took me with him and I was allowed to drive our car. Of course there were many errands to be done, as mother gave me a long list. One main one was to leave the car in repair shop. I dropped my father in the conference place, and had to pick him up at 5 pm, the same place. It was a busy day. After arranging everything I stopped in Movie Theater to see a western. Forgetting about time I realized suddenly that it was 6 pm! When I arrived to pick up my father he looked very tired. Trying to explain myself I told him that the car was not ready on time… My father was not angry but very sad, and said these words to me: “I am very ashamed of myself. I must have done something very wrong while raising you since you cannot even tell me the truth. You can go home by car, and I will walk back to village.” Of course, my father knew… He was concern about me and called the shop to find out if I am all right. Even after my endless begging he would not enter the car… So he walked five and half hours to the village. I could not leave him alone doing this, so I drove very slowly behind him, seeing his exhaustion and struggle… This was the hardest night in my life, and of course it was very hard for my father too. He cried entire way… Bright light, deep shadows…
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