And....Non Violence

  I found a book written by a Buddhist in my hallway. There are no accidents, it's all about being in the now. I struggled with the 2nd page however when the writer says something about Buddhist practice is based on non violence and non dualism. I dig the non dualism part, everything is of the same energy. A flower blooms, gives oxygen, beauty, the bees dig it, people dig it, it dies and becomes compost to fertilize more flowers. But the phrase non violence bothers me a bit.....

  I need something else see, cause the word violence is still in the phrase. Maybe "based on peace", I can dig that. Mother Theresa once said she would never attend an anti war rally but she would a pro-peace rally. I like this. I feel the same way. I never liked protest. Resentment fest are not for me which is what it feels like. And I wonder if that actually brings more violence into the world, the idea of non violence or anti violence. I want every day to be a pro peace rally which in any ones actual heart of hearts is the truth. Fight? Shout? Or relax with those you love? Given an individual choice with no strings attached.....

  As I tried to read the book further I realized I was shutting down though. There were some passages I found to be beautiful but when someone else is dictating how to meditate, I just don't know. Feels somehow oddly domineering to me. Religious. Excluding and concentrating. That doesn't work so well for me. If it works for someone else, that's great. I'd love to hear about it. I'm curious....