I have five kids in my theatre class. They range between the ages twelve to fourteen. This is our third year together. The other day I spoke to them about wars, violence and its impact. Almost immediately we were headlong into a discussion about war and its effects. We were talking about the destruction it causes, the way it alters lives, causes pain.
We were just beginning to discuss how we, in whatever little way we can, do something to prevent it.
Suddenly this fourteen-year old girl asked me, “How would you define war ?”
I replied that if two entities, for example countries, are fighting each other over resources, usually it is about land, I would consider it to be war.
Quietly she asked me, “What about the war between two persons ? Unless that stops these wars never will.”
Another one piped in, “Why can’t we share ? In kindergarten, they teach us to share everything with our friends and neighbours. Why don’t they do it themselves ?”
The youngest one had a genuine query, “But what if the other person starts the fight ? Am I not supposed to defend myself ? If they hit me, I will hit them back !”
I said, “It’s a matter of choice. If you don’t like violence, destruction and the pain that comes with it, how can you allow yourself be the one causing it ?
Immediately another kid added, “An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind ! Haven’t you read this saying in our book ? If you hit back, they will hit you again and it will never end.”
The youngest one didn’t look very convinced. So I said, “I’m not saying it’s an easy choice but if you make it and stick to it, eventually it will get results.”
The fifth one, who had been silent all this while, finally spoke. “Look, you need not hit them back. But you can firmly hold their hand and tell them sternly not to hit you. Somebody has to stop first.”
The fourteen year old replied, “I agree. Somebody has to stop first. If we don’t like this situation, we should be the first ones to stop it. Maybe we will fail sometimes. But gradually we will learn to make that choice every time.”
I was speechless and amazed at their insight. There are at least five kids in this world who will try to solve things in a humane manner. My heart swelled with pride.
My Musings in Meditation 