All Roads Lead to Love

In these past days,  I have watched as friends discuss the recent world events.  I have witnessed dissension and miscommunication and experienced it first hand.  Fortunately, I have also witnessed a coming together of like minded souls who believe that the only way to peace is to love one another.  As you know, that is my own sentiment.


I don't believe violence and war is the answer.  I guess that makes me a tree-hugging hippy freak to some.  I have been told that I am delusional; that I must be realistic, and that all my preaching on peace and love isn't going to change the world; that war and violence is a necessary part of our existence.  I've been told that I am a sympathizer of terrorists, and un American, ..that one really hurt; simply because I didn't set off fireworks over the killing of Osama Bin Laden. To actually have to defend my position as someone who believes in peaceful resolution as an alternative to violence seems so silly to me, for regardless of which religion we choose to practice, or even if we choose not to practice any religion but simply live a moral life...isn't one of the basic moral laws not to do harm to one another?  I am pretty sure I read that sentiment in some form in some of the religious texts I have read which have included but are not exclusive to  the Bible, The Qur'an, The Torah, The Tao Te Ching, and the Bhagavad Gita. 


I, like everyone else, cried on 9/11. I cry whenever an act of violence happens, anywhere, to anyone. I ran over a bird the other day and I cried.  It sucks sometimes to have this kind of compassion, I feel like a weirdo; even though I know I am not the only one who feels this way, sometimes I feel alone.

I know my one voice, and this blog alone isn't likely to change the world.  Others before me with a greater presence and voice have tried, failed, and in some instances  been killed for their message; Jesus, Martin Luther King, John Lennon, and others come to mind.

 I have sympathy and compassion for those who have lost their loved ones in an act of violence.  I am blessedly fortunate that my own loved ones have not been taken from me in that way...and as someone asked me, "What if it were your children killed"..to that I have no answer, as I cannot predict my feelings. I am sure I will be angry, I am sure I will feel some urge to extract vengeance in some way,  but I am also pretty sure I will think the thoughts and then let them go because I do not want to become that which I hate in another. I don't judge others who don't choose to prescribe to my peace message; I only speak for myself, and everyone has their own path to take.  I simply ask that you respect me, and each other, along the way.  


I know it's difficult. It's difficult  for me.  Everyone has suffering in their life. Everyone has someone or something in their life that causes them pain.  I am not exempt.  But I do my best to live by a few of these words, spoken by others who would probably be labeled delusional, unrealistic, hippy freaks. With their words and vision along for the ride, I think I am in good company.

"But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."~ Jesus


"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." ~Jesus

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can." ~

 Dalai Lama XI

If you can't see God in all, you can't see God at all~ Yogi Bhajan 

All we are is a result of what we have thought..if a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him"~ Buddha

An eye for an eye just leaves a room full of blind men.~ Ghandi


Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat. My shoulder is against yours. You will not find me in the stupas,
not in Indian shrine rooms, nor in synagogues, nor in cathedrals: not in masses, nor kirtans, not in legs winding around your own neck,
nor in eating nothing but vegetables. When you really look for me, you will see me instantly —
you will find me in the tiniest house of time. Kabir says: Student, tell me, what is God?
He is the breath inside the breath."~ Kabir


I end with a beautiful song by Tina Malia called "All Roads".  Listen to the words, and know that we are all just seekers, looking for answers. When all along, the answer lies inside of us, and we are all singing the same song, one voice. We just need to listen. Peace. ☼