What defenses would we need in Heaven?
We wouldn't, of course, need any. Defense, A Course in Miracles tells us in today's lesson, is just another means of attack:
If I defend myself I am attacked. But in defenselessness I will be strong, and I will learn what my defenses hide.
Think about all the war raging in the world right now. It's hard to discern who threw the first punch. Which soldiers are on the offense, and which are on the defense? Ultimately, it does not matter, for all are attacking one another. And any form of attack is a grievances that has been held. Each form of attack is another step backward, another wall we build between ourselves and one another - between ourselves and our salvation.
As I meditated on the lesson today, I also thought about personal defense. Is it ever acceptable to defend oneself? What if you are attacked on the street? Is today's lesson teaching us that we must lie down and take whatever kicks and punches come our way? Isn't this a scenario in which we need to defend ourselves?
Here is the answer I received in response to these questions:
Reflect back whatever your attacker throws your way. This is a nonviolent approach. To "defend" as you define it would be to attack back. Yet this does not show your attacker what he has done. This merely broadens the sense of separation between you both and encourages further attack. Do as Jesus did, and turn the other cheek. By doing so, you stand in Truth, and your attacker will See himself and know the error of his ways.
It's hard to picture this tactic being effective unless we find ourselves in such a predicament. But we cannot deny that there is an unparalleled strength in someone who simply holds their ground without exerting force upon another. You cannot show anyone the Truth by using force. You can only leave an open door for them to walk through. The Truth, of course, is that they are Divine (just like you and me and all of us). The open door is their reminder of this fact. That is what Jesus meant by turning the other cheek. It was not an invitation to further attack, but a reminder that He could not be harmed, and that His Purity was also His attacker's.
When we react wildly, what else can we expect but yet another wild reaction? Violence begets violence, unless we choose to stand for Peace. This by no means is an easy choice, for it would seem to go against our natural instinct. Our fight or flight response kicks in as soon as we sense the presence of danger. But to know that nothing could ever really harm us places us above our animal instincts. It also places us above any perceived attack which could come from another; for in knowing that nothing could ever really harm us, we also know that all attack is but an illusion.
Today's idea also comments on the general attitude of "being on the defensive." If you are someone who operates on always needing to defend yourself, you are attracting attack into your life. If you have a defensive personality, what choice do you have but to always be on guard? You must build walls around yourself in false belief of your protection, when in actuality you are cutting yourself off from the very thing that will save you. Your connection to the Whole is where your true protection lies. In defense you but attack this notion and hold yourself hostage from the Truth. You play into to your fears instead of seeking good within your brother. This is no way to live, but a sure way to die. For what is death but separation from everything that brings you Joy?
There's a type of martial arts that came to mind while meditating on today's topic. Aikido requires very little physical strength and uses non-violent tactics to diffuse attack. As Wikipedia states, "Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on." This fascinated me, because for anyone who doubts the idea that "to defend is to attack," Aikido is proof that there is another way to protect oneself from physical harm; and it's by using spiritual principles (of course).
Let us try then, today, to be aware of our own defensive impulses - whether they be mental, verbal or physical. To stand in Truth is the only sure way to end the cycle of violence that comes with attack and defense. This is Real Strength, and we all have the ability to tap into it by simply remembering Who We Really Are, and leaving the door open for all others to remember it as well. Again, We are All One, so there can be nothing to gain from attacking another in the name of "defense." Redirect that energy, as an Aikido practitioner would advise. Surrender the slings and arrows to God so that we may recognize them for the illusions they really are. See your Holy Brother in your enemy, and he will be an enemy no more. This is the only way we will achieve Peace.
Until tomorrow,
Journeyman
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