Inner Transformations

I don't pretend to be a self-proclaimed scholar on anything, least of all on the subject of Inner Transformations, but that does not deter me from putting forth my views on it. Shyness is not in my DNA.

Unlike lower forms of life whose behavior is largely governed by instincts and little by learning, humans have a wondrous ability to be morally what they want to be, barring any organic injuries to or abnormal formations of their brains. In other words, humans don't have a fixed nature (essence). We are what we want to be. We can transcend instincts. We can consciously choose to be celibate or vegetarian. Likewise, we can choose to transform ourselves from evil and greedy individuals to kind and unselfish citizens. 

History was replete with such transformations. Emperor Asoka in India and Saul on the road to Damascus are well-known examples. Buddhist folklore has a story about a repentant robber who offered literally his own heart to a passing monk who promised to take it with him to some kind of destination where the robber's sins would be forgiven. After a few day of travel, the heart putrefied and attracted flies, causing severe discomfort to the monk. The monk didn't keep his promise. He threw the heart away. The result was that the soul of the robber was saved while the monk's was not. Buddhist teachings stress forgiveness and love as antidotes to hate in order to break the vicious cycle of hate generating hate. As far as I know (and I could be wrong) there are no Buddhist doctrines associated with revenge and "justice". Christian and Islamist doctrines talk about God of Wrath, besides God of Love and Allah the Merciful. 

Inner Transformations could be expedited if the "sinners" and evil doers are not confronted by people with hate in their own hearts. We all know the VC, especially the leaders. are evil-hearted and selfish people. I submit that the VC themselves are aware of their own unsalutary character. But I refuse to believe that every single VC is incapable of change for the better, especially if they are exposed to love, kindness, and forgiveness. If the anti-VC groups cling to an unyielding, rabid, revenge-minded, and self-righteous attitude, they are not in fact any better than the VC. They would put the VC on the defensive and for their own survival, the VC would fight the anti-VC groups to death, thus weakening Vietnam forever. Fratricidal conflicts were what weakened Khmer people, causing loss of territory to Thailand and Vietnam. We must regard the VC as our wayward brothers, and not implacable foe. Our true enemies are and always have been the Chinese from the North.

Hate is an impetus to actions. But Love and Forgiveness can accomplish much more. My views are not an empty exercise in rhetoric. They come from personal experiences. Up until recently, I subscribed to the philosophy of seeking justice and settling scores. But I came to realize such a philosophy didn't elevate me. While I will continue exposing lies, ignorance, and falsehoods, I will not allow myself to be mired in the misery of hate. 

Wissai