Mass Movement

What an interesting read of the Excerpt from the book, "Total Freedom" by  author- J.Krishnamurthi. My reflections to the article is below:

Internal change and external change are interconnected. If I focus my energy in participating in the mass movement or collective action blindly and compulsively, I will not be the true participant or agent of change. The change will be on the surface and superficial. The wheel of suffering will continue. Deep, true, inward, and voluntary change happens when I deeply, honestly, intelligently and freely explore what fundamentally needs to be changed and how I can be an active and dynamic part of this change. Deep and lasting change takes place when there is an alignment among Head-intelligent, honest and clear thinking, Heart-love, courage, and compassion, and Hand- action. The three H's need be harmony-the fourth H.

I recall two mass movements in which I had participated-one in India and the other in the USA. The first mass movement was the freedom movement called Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi. It was based on two fundamental principles: Truth and Non-violence. It became a national movement against the unjust British rulers. Gandhiji was an earnest truth seeker and peace maker. He embodied his message: " Be the change you want to have in the world."

The second mass movement in which I participated was a movement against Vietnam war. I was very clear about the goal of the movement. The problem I had in fully participating in the movement was some of the means that were employed by the leaders of the movement. There was no alignment between the means and the end. I am against using verbal and physical use of violence for attaining justice and peace. I could not fully and whole heatedly participate in the movement.

We all are witnessing mass protest in our country against the injustice inflicted by the brutal power used by some police officers against black people. I fully support the mass movement against racial and social injustice. I believe in taking a stand for justice and equality. I do not want to standby as an observer. I have spent a good amount of time reflecting on what I can do to be a part of this ongoing movement. I am an educator. My work is to educate parents, students, and community about this long standing systemic problem affecting all of us and encourage them for taking action.
Namaste!