Kindness; empowering authentic peace

We feature below quotes from public talks held this month in Sri Lanka by Ven. Ajahn Brahm and excerpts of an interview with him. The insights given are relevant for the renewal of peacefulness within and between humans. The writing we feature today is an extension of the series published dedicating the month of May to the goal of lasting peace commemoration in Sri Lanka.

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Kindness heals

“We can learn a lot by closely observing nature. Having spent most of my life in many jungles of the world I have seen that the most damaged trees and foliage in the forest are the most beautiful. Look at a tree closely. See if you can find a single perfect tree — that is completely upright with its branches positioned in perfect symmetry. No. You will never find trees like that. They are crooked and gnarled and twisted. But are they ugly? No. There are no ugly trees. This is the same with humans. Can you find a single undamaged human in this world? No. Therefore when you focus on leadership at the business place please make kindness your priority. The fact is that the greatest kindness one can give oneself, whether in an office or elsewhere, is to be kind. Kindness inspires. Kindness heals. Office atmospheres have to work more with the concept of Muditha; taking joy in the success of others. How many of you can say you are not damaged? Will kindness not heal it?”

“My teacher Ven. Ajahn Chah never identified himself with a nationality. He never described himself as a Thailand citizen. When asked where he was from he used to state “I am from my mother’s belly. This is how he connected with all humans on a scale of equality.”