| Third Mindfulness Training |
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Aware of the suffering brought about when we impose our views on others, we are committed not to force others, even our children, by any means whatsoever - such as authority, threat, money, propaganda, or indoctrination - to adopt our views. We will respect the right of others to be different and to choose what to believe and how to decide. We will, however, help others renounce fanaticism and narrowness through compassionate dialogue. As a professional peace educator and advocate, the third mindfulness training is particularly tricky. It requires lightness of heart and a balance of view. In my job I advocate for the abolition of nuclear weapons, the control of small arms and the reduction of reliance on military to resolve conflict. I educate both young and old and am required to take speeches and write articles to this effect. Our organization calls itself a peace education organization and is committed to education about alternative methods to resolving conflict. However, education is a fine line. Even I have joked about handing out our propaganda to the public. As a result practicing this training requires me to think deeply about my job and my position in the work I do.
I believe whole-heartedly that there are means of speaking out and educating, which do not force views on others, but simply open doors of understanding. It’s a difficult balance and I know that to do this well requires a constant examination of my conscience. Am I saying this to convince or manipulate this person? Am I debating and arguing to force someone to view things the way I do? How sincere am I? I firmly believe that if I am able to follow this training while continuing my work I will be much more effective in what I do. I rub up against people who see me as imposing my view all the time. People can become very hostile and vent their anger at me because my view contrasts with theirs. I have seen other peace advocates react against this by putting down the other person and the situation quickly escalates.
I used to believe that it was my fault that people became hostile as a result of my advocacy, that perhaps I was indeed imposing my views. I now see that sometimes there are things that are very painful for others to discuss and view. Having to listen to a point of view one doesn’t like and that is deeply important to oneself can be truly painful. I know when I am attacked and put down for what I believe - it hurts. Now I try to listen for the sincerity with which the other person expresses themselves. If someone gets angry with me I try to listen to where the pain is coming from and I believe them that it is causing them pain. However, I no longer see myself as the source of that pain. I know that many people who have advocated sincerely and without force have been persecuted. Even Thay was seen in this light by the government in Vietnam. I try to be clear in my dialogues that my view is a view and not the only view. I try very hard, especially when educating children, that they also have views and that just because we have different views doesn’t mean they necessarily oppose each other. A photo was taken of myself speaking to a NATO officer about their nuclear weapons policy. Canada has signed a treaty of nuclear non-proliferation while at the same time participating in NATO, which supports the acquisition and use of nuclear weapons. I wanted to talk to him about this contradiction. You can see my propaganda (information pamphlets) in my pockets. We had a peaceful conversation but I could see towards the end it was painful for him. I tried to listen deeply. I was moved by his sincerity and his courage to come out of his conference to talk to me.
To try to further my vow and practice with this training I will look deeply at how I am expressing my views and whether I am fully open to listening and working with others who do not share my views. I will try to express loving-kindness even in the face of hostility and try not to see my view as the only one. I will not try to manipulate others into believing what I believe but will be honest and sincere in expressing my own views.
Tracey Pickup Tracey leads the Wild Rose sangha in Calgary and has joined the Pine Gate aspirants for Order of Interbeing training, which is supervised by Carolyn and supported by two dharmacharyas – Ian Prattis and Vinh Nguyen. This article is part of her work on the 3rd training.
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