Military invitation pamphlet

The military & soldiers The darker side of human nature lurks just under the surface. The whole political system, judicial system, criminal justice system, and especially the military is based on the use of force.

Unless we are prepared to take account of violence we cede the field to those who are ready to act without reflection.

Is there anything we can do about this? Can we change the dynamics by which problems are dealt with? Can we move from aggression to cooperation, anger to understanding?

An Invitation is waiting for you inside...

Sensitivity meter Complicity Spread good actively Reduce harm doing Prosper at other’s expense Unaware of effects Motive Don’t do what you believe.

Think only of what pleases you.

Wallow in self-pity.

Hurt those who you don’t care about.

Aim for security or recognition.

Think only of yourself (including your family, religion or nation) Personal character Humble Self-satisfied Greedy Brutal

Personal activities What are the ways in which you, directly or indirectly, support the military?

Are you desensitized to violence? Are you narrow or superficial? Are you cruel or brutal? How What share do you have in the world’s confusion and wickedness?

Have you ever had to fight for something? Did that experience reveal the best or the worst in you?’

“The most basic way in which all men may be divided is between those who believe that war is unnecessary and those who believe that war is inevitable; between those to whom the sword is the symbol of honor and those to whom seeking to convert swords into plowshares is the only way to keep our civilization from disaster.” Abraham Heschel

“War has had us in its thrall. It has horrified us and fascinated us....The stench of war has seeped into our souls.

We have talked endlessly about peace; but in the recesses of our imagination we have brooded, often feverishly, on war. “ John Connell

Existing Situation Rich and poor, lord and boor, Hark to the blast of War! Tinker and tailor and millionaire, Actor in triumph and priest in prayer, Comrades now in the hell out there, Sweep to the fire of War! Everywhere thrill the air The maniac bells of War. There will be little of sleeping to-night; There will be wailing and weeping to-night; Death’s red sickle is reaping to-night: War! War! War! Robert Service “Warfare is almost as old as man himself, and reaches into the most secret places of the human heart, places where self dissolves rational purpose, where pride reigns, where emotion is paramount, where instinct is king.” Keegan “What causes war is the desire for power, position, prestige, money; also the disease called nationalism, the worship of a flag.” J. Krishnamuriti

Vision The purpose of the military should be protection, not aggression. It should shift from weaponry to ‘livingry,’ using its massive organizational and technical capacity for constructive work, such as large scale infrastructure improvements and environmental restoration. Its coercive power should be limited to humanitarian intervention and relief, and the protection of the innocent.

We must inject personal responsibility into the hierarchy of command and obedience. All should refuse a terrorist policy. All should accept personal costs. Our shared humanity should guide us, not national interests and victory. Our overall goal is to make war unnecessary.

Beat your swords into plowshares Active peace, not the cessation of violence Not aggression but protection of what is best Shift from weaponry to ‘livingry.’

Look for our shared humanity Raise the vision of a peaceful society Appoint a guardian of moral discipline

Requests Code of conduct for soldiers: Responsibility Soldiers should consider the legitimacy of the overall conflict as well as the particular way that they are engaged in it.

Public understanding of current military conflicts “We need people who can understand the suffering of all sides” Thich Nhat Hanh Tour of the bases for the public Daily minute of silence Retrain the military for constructive work If it is “the desire for power, position, prestige, money” that causes war, where can we find and focus on those qualities in everyday life? Where does that happen?

At fancy stores, like Nordstrom, jewelry, fashion, etc?

What about power? Sports events? Some movies…. In a way this is quite funny, because it is actually addressing... the problem – so deep-seated, so real and important.

Qualifications for a Peace Brigade (1) He or she must have a living faith in nonviolence.

This is impossible without a living faith in God. Without it he won’t have the courage to die without anger, without fear and without retaliation.

(2) This messenger of peace must have equal regard for all the principal religions of the earth.

(3) Generally speaking, this work of peace can only be done by local men in their own localities.

(4) The work can be done singly or in groups.

(6) Needless to say, a peace bringer must have a character beyond reproach and must be known for his strict impartiality.

(7) The peace brigade will not wait till the conflagration breaks out but will try to handle the situation in anticipation.

(8) The idea is to have as many good and true men and women as possible.

‘And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks.

Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war any more.’ Isaiah 2:2-4

Invitation Become capable of peace “To put an end to outward war, you must begin to put an end to war in yourself.� Krishnamurti Respect the sanctify of life Do not participate in violent cultural activities Reduce complicty Atone for the wrongs we inflict on each other Explore the meaning of conflict One-to-one bonding of opponents

We are honored to be able to offer you this Military Invitation. Bring deep peace to daily life!

Accept this Invitation!

Go to www.visionarysociety.org/topic/military A project of Visionary Society Join us at a Visionary Society Topic to explore the meaning of War and Peace. www.visionarysociety.org/topic/military