"When the heart is right
'For' and 'against' are forgotten."--Chuang Tzu
This morning, I am reflecting on duality, expressed as the human tendency to divide life (events, people, opinions, etc.) into two often conflicting opposites, augmented by all or nothing thinking. This inherent tendency in human thinking is a short cut for organizing and managing the complexities of life, but it also is a short-sighted, over simplification that limits creative thought, blocks positive, intelligent exchange, and ignites conflict. Divisive, dualistic thought undermines spiritual peace. War, in turn, brings a surge of dualism. Today culminates this weekend of Veterans Day ceremonies, honoring American military veterans. The holiday is more palpable now with a sober background of war in Gaza and Ukraine and military units that serve in, or wait near, war zones.
Today also begins Hindu Diwali, a 5 day Festival of Light that includes the Hindu New Year, and is increasingly celebrated in the U.S. Diwali traditions include ancient stories of the triumph of good over evil, the spiritual theme of the holiday. Light conquers darkness; knowledge conquers ignorance; good prevails. Duality then, ultimately dissolves in this Festival of Light. The problem is our human perspective. In war, all sides claim to be the force of light. A spiritual life that is grounded in participation in the world can become painfully confusing when there is social perception of only two groups, with social demand to choose your side. Underlying this demand, is the fundamental construct of duality as the core of human conflict: "them vs. us".
When we turn to Biblical thought, the idea of duality is further confounded, with Jesus' statement in Luke 11:23 and Matthew 12:30: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me, scatters." Yet, in another context, his disciples announce they have shut down those who are not "with" Jesus but had dared to cast out 'demons' in his name. Jesus instructs the disciples not to interfere, saying "for the one who is not against us, is for us." (Luke 9:50 and Mark 9:40). There are so many varying interpretations and manipulations of Jesus' words. The key, in my mind, is the spiritual intent underlying each situation. His words "with me" refer to gathering together, rather than scattering apart. It is a call to gathering in spiritual union, which is love, not division. Division scatters. Love unites. Jesus words echo Chuang Tzu. "When the heart is right, 'for' and 'against' are forgotten." This is spiritual Peace, the root of all peace. (Susan Nettleton)
For Chuang Tzu's poem: https://www.wisdom2be.com/gems-poetry-wisdomstories/when-the-shoe-fits-by-chuang-tzu?rq=Chuang%20Tzu%2C%20
For righting the heart:
https://www.templebuddhistcenter.com › articles-mini-lessons › theheatofmidnighttears
https://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/.../WhataHumanIs/index.html
https://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/.../Iambeginning/index.html