I heard some news about a very courageous TV employee in Russia, an editor of the major channel, who interrupted a live news broadcast holding a sign saying “Don’t believe the propaganda. They’re lying to you here”. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but this ridiculously serious punishment shows how those in power are fearful of this kind of courage. That’s just one of uncountable courageous acts done by Ukrainians, Russians and people from other countries I can’t help but ask myself if I am also ready to devote myself to a cause so that it might override my personal needs and survival. Do I have anything to die for? It might sound old-fashioned, but I think this kind of courage is very much needed in the world.
It might sound strange, but I feel those courageous people who devote themselves to a cause that might override their personal comfort or survival are happy in a way. That shows that they have access to a source of power that is greater than themselves as individuals. That source is also the one from where we feel connected with people around the globe, which uplifts our spirits and enables us to get a glimpse into what eternity is like. This sense of eternity and deathlessness, gives us true courage. The only thing I can do to be truly helpful for them might be to stay in this state of mind together with them.h
In my opinion, the people, especially on the Russian side, have the power to stop the war in Ukraine now. Just like when the Berlin wall fell, it can change history. What motivated millions of ordinary people in DDR into their exodus was the desire to enjoy freedom as well as a better life in the West. However, what that can motivate well-informed Russian people with conscience into action is not a better life; rather, they risk their lives. Just pursuit of freedom, truth, justice or solidarity with Ukrainians would be the possible motivation for them to act according to what they believe to be the right in this situation.
Gandhi would fast when religious or ethnic conflicts in India got out of control. It was his way of encouraging people to act in a way that transcends personal emotion and belief. He tried to prove that he was sustained by a source that was greater than himself as an individual and the peace he felt from it was such that he could ignore his physiological requirements for survival. I don’t think I could ever emulate him, but I can at least ask myself, ‘Whatever I do, is it motivated solely by my individual needs, or by something greater than myself? Is it giving me unconditional joy that lies beyond my personal interest?”
The reason I’m posing such questions to myself is because I have no right to expect others to do what I can’t do myself. Just like Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. If I could walk the talk instead of just talk the talk, I might be able to find better expressions that can more easily get through to people. It is vital to make them realize the joy that we feel when we act according to what we believe to be right. That makes us feel truly alive, and once we experience that, we never feel like staying zombified in the attitude of, “If you can’t beat them, join them”.