non-violence is not for the weak. non-violence is for the strong. ~ gandhi
“Peace cannot be built on exclusivism, absolutism, and intolerance. But neither can it be built on vague liberal slogans and pious programs gestated in the smoke of confabulation. There can be no peace on earth without the kind of inner change that brings man back to his “right mind.” p. 31” ― Thomas Merton, On Non-Violence
“I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more.” ― Chief Joseph
“The non-violent resistor not only avoids external, physical violence, but he avoids internal violence of spirit. He not only refuses to shoot his opponent, but he refuses to hate him. And he stand with understanding, goodwill at all times.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
“We do not need guns and bombs to bring peace, we need love and compassion.” ― Mother Teresa, The Joy in Loving: A Guide to Daily Living
I’m so glad you posted this and the perfectly appropriate quotes contained within. My love and I were just discussing today’s tragedy and, in fact, the essence of the quotes you’ve chosen. I especially love the Merton and King quotes. Thanks so much for the light and love you bring to the blogosphere!! So glad I found your blog through another blogger’s. Hugs to you, dear one!! Cheers!
You are so kind and I am humbled by your sweet words. They mean so much!
Reblogged this on strollingturtle and commented:
This post was made by one of the bloggers whom I follow. She strives to make her posts positive and uplifting and I find them to be so. Her response to today’s tragedy in Connecticut, in the form of this post of thoughtfully chosen quotes, is one I felt I needed to share. Thank you to her!
What a horrible tragedy…I cannot even imagine what those parents/families/friends are going through right now.
It’s time to end this by getting rid of guns entirely in the US. They did it in Australia & I am happy that I don’t wake up to shooting stories every, single day- as it happens in the USA. The lame, “I need my gun for self-defence” is ridiculous- how many have had to do this compared to the number of guns sold? In AU, legitimate gun ownership as a hobby is still allowed (for nuisance animals on farms, target shooting clubs, etc), but otherwise, if you have a gun, you’re in big trouble.
It’s time to stop this lunacy & I hope Obama pushes to end gun ownership as it is today.
That Thomas Merton quote is so profound. And I guess its why change is so damn slow…