The Lion and the Lamb in Perfect Harmony
A revolution occurred in 1776, not simply a revolution of man against man, but a revolution of thoughts and of spirit. It was an idea that had been evolved thousands of years before, but had been forgotten or ignored. We were gradually coming out of the dark ages, where superstition was prevalent and despots, even occasionally somewhat benevolent ones, ruled the world. The newly evolving idea was a republic, a constitutional democracy that had a balance of power built in, and a bill of rights to protect the individual from the overreach of government. These were radical, revolutionary ideas that had never been tried before in the remembered past—and most in the world at the time thought it impractical.
This idea of a constitutional democracy, with protection from mob rule, has now spread across this world, India being the largest democracy and brought about by a non-violent revolution—although violence quickly ensued after their emancipation (it has been tough to escape the dark ages). Democracies by their very nature are noisome and messy—short-term efficiency comes from a dictatorship, but that comes with self-destructive results repeatedly proved over these many centuries.
The result of this experiment in democracy has resulted in a country with many personal freedoms, prosperity and an ability to adapt and change. It is a sad irony that some of the very ones who originally fought for their own freedom, justified enslaving others. With a costly civil war that injustice was reversed, and while having equal rights for all citizens has taken time and the sacrifice by many, still this form of government has shown the flexibility to adapt and change.
The key to any society surviving and thriving is for the vast majority of people to abide by the eternal truths that all religions have taught. The central commandments of Moses, and the yamas and niyamas of Patanjali are best summed up by Jesus (Matt 22):
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Upon this principle of love for God and for all those around you hang all the laws and the teachings of prophets—this is so very true. We try to make up for the lack of the observance of this most basic principle by writing more and more laws, wanting social justice, but often end up straining at gnats while swallowing camels! (Matt 23:24) With the result that laws upon laws oftentimes do little to help us and instead turn into burdens for the majority.
If we want justice, then we must treat others justly; if we want respect then we must begin by giving it. With every word and action we create, then we reap what we have set into motion. As Mother said, this world is made up of individuals, and as individuals change, so does the world. We should not look to some grand scheme of a savior from above, but to the universal Savior within. All the laws and all the prophets hang upon what are ultimately deeply held spiritual principles, and when a significant number of individuals act accordingly, this world will be a haven of peace, where the lion lies down with the lamb in total harmony.
Health Update: After the positive results of various scans by my allopathic doctor, I consulted with my new oncological naturopath, Dr. A. The naturopath seeks to create a healthy bio-environment that will produce perfect health in which such things as cancer cannot thrive. A primary diagnostic tool is taking specific blood tests to indicate imbalances in such categories as zinc and copper, vitamin D—some 50 different measurements; these were taken before my second visit to the doctor. In all tested categories I was in the desired range, and a few deserved a surprised “excellent” comment. He has subtracted a couple of supplements my previous naturopath had prescribed (he had studied with Dr. R. so they are on the same page in most things), and he added a few, such as green tea extract (filled with polyphenol antioxidants and reduces inflammation). Some of our goals are to reduce inflammation and oxidation. He was pleased with my weight loss and approved following my current food regimen. Onward with continued perfect health. He has extended the time I see him next to one year from now, meanwhile I will continue with my current supplements.