Peace

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Peace:

Peace is a long and difficult process; and it is also very simple. Fundamentally, it is essential to have what you need. When we have what we need peace is possible. Increasingly, what we really need is not things; it isn't a bunch of stuff, but wisdom and knowledge about how to get what we need when we need it... and more importantly the question of how to fulfill our spiritual needs. Also increasingly, it is possible to get what we need through discussion. Understanding why we need what we need and why others need what they need is fundamental to understanding how we can cooperate to meet mutual needs. This helps us to be clear in presenting ourselves to others. When parties are clear with one another it is easier to determine what needs exist and how they can be mutually accomplished (without fighting). Peace with integrity is really the goal for everyone.

It is also very important to understand clearly what other people need and want. If you are trying to get corn from a neighbors' field and they ask you not to get take any corn, it doesn't hurt to ask why. The neighbor may be concerned that you are trespassing or that you might take everything. If you explain that you only want a little corn and are happy to work a little for it (and you don't want to be a bother) the neighbor may then say it is ok to get corn from the field. This kind of understanding is critical for peace, and comes up again and again in the process of cooperation.

If you think about all the situations in the world, it seems true that there is enough housing, food, water, education and medicine for us all; what we really need to do is to get along with one another as one family. And communication and cooperation based on the truth of our needs is basic to getting along.

If you or your family is in danger, I personally believe that it is right and good to defend yourself. But it is also right and good to try to get outside help if possible, and to run if that seems like a better idea than defending yourself. Catastrophe can usually be avoided by communicating and understanding why things are the way they are, and understanding how everyone can cooperate to make situations good for everyone.
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