Reading One: Pilgrimage to Nonviolence

[Jonathan Lewis]

Have you ever tried to write down on paper why you believe the things you do? Have you ever stopped and asked yourself who am I and why? Dr. Martin Luther King provided us with a through description of his personal philosophy and the events that brought him to embracing nonviolence not only as a philosophy for creating tactical change but also for living his life.

I have attached a chapter from one of Dr. King's books named "Stride Towards Freedom". I challenge each of us to read this document and post comments for discussion. This was Dr. King's attempt at informing supporters and critique's of his philosophical development and how it effects his political and social position and action.

The philosophy of Kingian Nonviolence as developed by Dr. King and is explained in his book, “Stride Toward Freedom”, chapter VI, Pilgrimage to Nonviolence.He explains in detail the Six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence:

Principle 1:
Nonviolence is a Way of Life for Courageous People

Principle 2:
The Beloved Community is the Framework for the Future

Principle 3:
Attack Forces of Evil, Not Persons Doing Evil

Principle 4:
Accept suffering without Retaliation for the Sake of the Cause to Achieve a Goal

Principle 5:
Avoid Internal Violence of the Spirit as well as External Physical Violence

Principle 6:
The Universe is on the Side of Justice

If you have read it encourage someone else to read it a post a comment. If you know of a writing out there that speaks truth to this post it so we can all learn from one another. The Movement is as alive and active as we are!!!!!!!!

[Julie]

I think principle 5 is very important when you want to take the steps to becoming a peaceful being.

If your mind, body, and spirit are at war with each other, your outward personality is going to reflect that no matter how hard you try to mask it with the painted smiles, and the 'acting.'

If you take the steps to find peace within yourself, the cloud of negativity that is blocking your judgement will start to dissolve, and you will be able to see things more clear.

I think we all need to sit back and think about, "How can I let the light shine through my own darkness;" I know that is one of the things I will need to work on before I can truely be a warrior of peace.

[William YoungII]

I believe that the first part of the aspect of nonviloence not being for cowards is one of the best ways to interpret the other principles.I think that the idea of understanding each principle and thinking behind it is crucial to devloping specific methods to enhance even further.

The role we play in our own avenues of the movement are key to improving what already has a foundation to build upon.The question is how can we continue what is laid;as well as, build on their perspectives if the road is even longer to come back from even if the resources are more prevelent in these times than ever, being this the age of technology.The concept is to keep increasing the awareness for each mindset/principle that had been left behind by certain leaders and have us to use accordingly.

In order to keep going toward the positive,the work that we all are involved in must align with sometype of knowledge of a philosophy so a purpose is involved with the strategy or vision of your goal.

[Jonathan Lewis]

Whats up big will? We were roommates in DC for Take Back America. How is little rock going? Tufara says you are doing some great work out there. I will be coming out there soon.

You are right we need a similar philosophy and guiding framework, I agree with your statement about it not being for cowards. I believe that is how it was first represented to the students of Nashville. I also think that as trainers and organizers we must try to find the most effective way of presenting new/old information to the populations we pledge to service. For example, our SIMBA folks out in Columbus, Ohio identify these principles and the training program as a component for warrior development training.

What did you guys think about the reading? Please check this stuff out. It is not the end all be all but it is a great place to begin our discussion around understanding what Dr. King thought and the philosophy the Gathering believes to be vital to our current problems.

I am not even speaking about the system but rather each other. We can no longer afford to neglect each other, to hurt each other and we must increase our love for each other.

We must look at this discussion as a way to motivate each one of us to practice what we believe and to view our brothers and sisters of all ages, colors, and personal historical backgrounds through a lens of Agapic love and act in accordance with our most deeply entrenched values. What you think to be important for your family is important for the next family. Agape is one of the secret ingredients in Kingian Nonviolence. I know people have been acting in the best interest of what they believe to be right. No one can be faulted for that but look at the results its has gotten us. Living life is not the easiest today nor has it ever been. We must look at our struggle (ALL OF US) AS ONE FIGHT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS. It is not to much to ask that each of us are treated with the same level of respect. It is to much however, to expect someone else to do it for you. We must become the change! We must do it not with just us on our mind but with everyone in our hearts because if our actions our not moving towards inclusion and motivation and away from isolation and punishment than we are going to live in a world of spiritual starvation.

Things are bad for more people now than ever before. I know that was a vague and a blanketed statement but true. Pick a topic in the reading and lets chop it up.

Positive Peace!


William YoungII said:

I believe that the first part of the aspect of nonviloence not being for cowards is one of the best ways to interpret the other principles.I think that the idea of understanding each principle and thinking behind it is crucial to devloping specific methods to enhance even further.

The role we play in our own avenues of the movement are key to improving what already has a foundation to build upon.The question is how can we continue what is laid;as well as, build on their perspectives if the road is even longer to come back from even if the resources are more prevelent in these times than ever, being this the age of technology.The concept is to keep increasing the awareness for each mindset/principle that had been left behind by certain leaders and have us to use accordingly.

In order to keep going toward the positive,the work that we all are involved in must align with sometype of knowledge of a philosophy so a purpose is involved with the strategy or vision of your goal.

[Jonathan Lewis]

This is one that I struggle with. We all know what external violence looks like but the internal violence is very different. The internal can and will manifest itself physically over time. We have little control over what the Universe presents to us as external violence but we have complete control over how we respond. This response begins in the form of a thought and if that 1st thought carries a negative interpretation normally a destructive response follows. This is where postponing your first judgment/interpretation is so important. If we are constantly seeing our community and everyone who lives there in a negative light than we live in darkness, but if we can view this as a opportunity for change than we are looking for and living in the light.

Julie said:

I think principle 5 is very important when you want to take the steps to becoming a peaceful being.

If your mind, body, and spirit are at war with each other, your outward personality is going to reflect that no matter how hard you try to mask it with the painted smiles, and the 'acting.'

If you take the steps to find peace within yourself, the cloud of negativity that is blocking your judgement will start to dissolve, and you will be able to see things more clear.

I think we all need to sit back and think about, "How can I let the light shine through my own darkness;" I know that is one of the things I will need to work on before I can truely be a warrior of peace.

[Jay Gillen]

Thanks, Jonathan, for directing us to this reading.

What I wanted to add is this: Whether one takes a non-violent approach, or whether one is preparing for armed struggle, the important thing now is to act as boldly as possible.

There are more than enough examples of hiding our true feelings, and way too much teaching that being in hiding is "strategic."

More models that risk frightening and shocking our sleeping selves are an essential part of the drama that must build before there will be any kind of climax and resolution. The oppressors have persuaded us too well that we should be careful how we talk and act, or we will be excluded from the decision-making circles. This is, however, their defense. It is designed to make us doze. Being less careful how we talk and act so as to be able to create our own decision-making circles, worrying less about giving offense, are the best ways to move forward, in my view. There will be negative consequences, but we should accept those consequences, as Gandhi says so beautifully, like "a bridegroom entering the bridal chamber," because those consequences will allow for new creations.

Of course, more thoughtful action is usually a better thing than less thoughtful action, but paralysis or stupor is much the worst of all.

[Jonathan Lewis]

REAL TALK. I WILL RESPOND SOON I WOULD LIKE TO THINK ABOUT THIS. COULD U POST SOME READINGS.

Jay Gillen said:

Thanks, Jonathan, for directing us to this reading.

What I wanted to add is this: Whether one takes a non-violent approach, or whether one is preparing for armed struggle, the important thing now is to act as boldly as possible.

There are more than enough examples of hiding our true feelings, and way too much teaching that being in hiding is "strategic."

More models that risk frightening and shocking our sleeping selves are an essential part of the drama that must build before there will be any kind of climax and resolution. The oppressors have persuaded us too well that we should be careful how we talk and act, or we will be excluded from the decision-making circles. This is, however, their defense. It is designed to make us doze. Being less careful how we talk and act so as to be able to create our own decision-making circles, worrying less about giving offense, are the best ways to move forward, in my view. There will be negative consequences, but we should accept those consequences, as Gandhi says so beautifully, like "a bridegroom entering the bridal chamber," because those consequences will allow for new creations.

Of course, more thoughtful action is usually a better thing than less thoughtful action, but paralysis or stupor is much the worst of all.

[Kayla Watkins =]]

I think Principle 3 is what a lot of people need to learn. You shouldn't fight the person you first see, but to fight the problem.