Question to Deepak:
Many years ago someone taught me that if you are having a serious problem with another person you can use a verse from the Bible: Psalm 2.9 (Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel) and it will help the situation.
I was thinking about the vow of non-violence that you spoke about on your web site, and I was wondering if applying these verses to a situation would be considered violent?
Answer from Deepak:
Yes, I would say that this verse does fall into the category of violence. Essentially it is asking God to destroy another on your behalf, so that you can get what you want. A non-violent outcome results in a creative outcome that serves everyone’s best interests. In the case you portray, the outcome is that the other person, regardless of his or her circumstances or needs, is smashed like a clay pot, and you get what you want, regardless of whether that is aligned to your highest purpose or not. A non-violent approach to difficulties not only avoids perpetuating the cycle of violence, but it also helps us evolve beyond our ego-based instincts toward creative win-win solutions. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.”
Love,
Deepak
About Deepak Chopra
Time Magazine heralded Deepak Chopra as one of the 100 heroes and icons of the century, and credited him as "the poet-prophet of alternative medicine." Entertainment Weekly described Deepak Chopra as "Hollywood's man of the moment, one of publishing's best-selling and most prolific self-help authors." He is the author of more than 50 books and more than 100 audio, video and CD-Rom titles. He has been published on every continent and in dozens of languages. Fifteen of his books have landed on the New York Times Best-seller list. Toastmaster International recognized him as one of the top five outstanding speakers in the world. Through his over two decades of work since leaving his medical practice, Deepak continues to revolutionize common wisdom about the crucial connection between body, mind, spirit, and healing. His mission of "bridging the technological miracles of the west with the wisdom of the east" remains his thrust and provides the basis for his recognition as one of India's historically greatest ambassadors to the west. Chopra has been a keynote speaker at several academic institutions including Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School, Harvard Divinity School, Kellogg School of Management, Stanford Business School and Wharton.His latest book is
"Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul."
At the risk of coming across as controversial here, I dare say that I am not satisfied with the claims of Bible's authenticity in terms of its fragmentary nature. Does the fact that something is so old make it sacred? I have yet witnessed a complete book, and this is now impossible from an archeological point of view. There are many missing pages. Lots of it is subject to misinterpretation especially when removed from passages out of overall context. Dangerous. Sometimes convenient.
Moreover, to come to the scary part: did this young benign hippie named Jesus of Nazareth write by hand? Is it in writing? Is it on tape? Instead we find an X spot where he was born and another where he was martyred yet are we satisfied with that as being authentic? Much of that history was passed down the ages in form of dialogue and hearsay for most peoples of that era were illiterate. Even kings required scribes then. Yes, I agree that many of the passages were inspirational but oh what a price! Religious wars and persecutions prevailed even to this day.
Clues only lie within us, in our hearts. We are as human or great as our ancients. We are the Messiahs, the messengers of Light. There were those few special men and women in history whom we have revered and worshipped. Today, we have multiplied in Light that would put these ancients into overwhelm if not shame. If we had the opportunity to teleport Handel's Messiah back to Biblical times, wall after wall would crumble and they would come down to their knees believing we are the extraterrestials with esp devices called iphones.
It is time we have demystified our history. Throw the book away.
Take anyone nearest to you and look into each others' eyes deeply; find that wisdom, truth,love and beyond.
Charles Wildbank
Brilliant.
Makes me think of one of my absolute favorite teachers: John Shelby Spong–who, as an Anglican Bishop and ardent believer, has challenged the less enlightened dogma of the church for decades.
Personally, after 12 years of Catholic school, I rejected Jesus/Christianity in its entirety. His powerful books totally transformed my relationship to Jesus/Christianity. I can still vividly remember reading his book: "Liberating the Gospels: Reading the Bible With Jewish Eyes" in ONE straight shot. Stunning. Totally re-oriented my consciousness.
More on this *incredible* human being: http://www.johnshelbyspong.com/
With love,
-bri
Brian – I agree with you, Bishop Spong is one of the greatest Christian leaders of our time. Among my favorite Spong books on Scripture: "Jesus for the Non-Religious," "Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism," and "The Sins of Scripture." Perhaps no other Christian leader has advocated for women and the gay community to be seated at their rightful place at the table to the extent that Bishop Spong has. He is a courageous man who has been maligned for his integrity and desire to see Jesus embraced for who he was and is.
Charles – as you prophetically point out, there truly are many "missing pages." The intolerance and judgement that issue from the "misinterpration" you point to is sadly not only historic but ongoing. I can't throw the book away because of the love and compassion it advocates in it's purity but I can and do resepct your legitimate feelings about it and the summons therein contained to reflect on the Scriptures without the tainted lens of homophobia, sexism, nationalism and orthodoxy. Thank you for keeping me honest and for your authentic Spiritual wisdom and vision. Love, Greg
"if Jesus returned, Karl Rove would put him on trial for heresy"
-unknown author
You are wise, Deepak. Peace without violence doesn't hurt anyone or anything.
Namaste,
Pam