Be the change
Responses to Betsy Chasse’s July From the Filmmakers
Dear Betsy,
I have a question about the discussion in From the Filmmakers regarding fulfillment of Gandhi's quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world." Is it possible that "doing" in awareness is, in fact, one of the infinite aspects of "being"?
Let's assume that "doing" is a facet of "being" and that there are basically two types of "doing", that which is addictive activity/behavior (deflections, distractions, denials that ego uses to keep us from hearing or acting according to our authentic Self/being) and purposeful activity/behavior (consistent with the mission or purpose of the authentic Self/being). Then my question is: Is it possible that "doing" (activity/behavior) that flows from our awareness (conscious, willful intent) of our authentic Self is in fact a product, or aspect, of our "being"? Therefore, by standing in and for the truth of our authentic Self, the "be-ingness" in Gandhi's quote can be effectuated by our "do-ingness"?
Thanks!
Rick, Columbus, OH
Dear Betsy,
How do you become something without actually doing something? To be the change you want to see in the world doesn’t mean you are passive or only reactive, Gandhi wasn’t either of those things. Gandhi believed in change – peaceful, non-violent change – but change and to change you have to do. Now, admittedly, he did not believe that we all have to see the world from the same place, but that still does not mean we cannot get closer to each of our own nirvanas. After all, how we see the world is basically determined by ourselves anyway.
The above quote is one of Gandhi’s most frequently referenced quotes, but here are some others which are far more active and do not suggest that being excludes doing.
“Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.” Confronting and conquering are not what you would call simply being words.
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Action is required to forgive and clearly not something that can happen without strength.
“Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong” Weapons must be used which clearly states action and doing.
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