I was reading a book by a person who loves birds. Perhaps it was to console myself on the recent loss of a bird quilt. Anyway, the author was distressed about a dove hunt near her home, and decided to simply be present. She had no intention of confronting the armed men, even though she felt angry about it. She chose to simply emanate peacefulness and compassion. She had no expectation that it would matter, yet she felt called to be present. For hours she stood with her arms spread beside her, in a vulnerable and expansive position. She held loving thoughts even as she heard the gunshots and saw her beloved birds spiral to the ground. 

 

The next day she could not come again, and a friend who shared her sentiments about the defenseless flock offered to take her place. 

 

Her friend was surprised. The hunters asked about the first woman and where she had gone. There were fewer of them than had participated the previous day, and the number of shots was much less. It seemed as if they felt differently about killing doves, even though there had been no accusations. 

 

I am still pondering this story. It cannot be said that compassion always disarms hurt, at least from our earthly perspective. I began watching a movie the other day and within the first few minutes the ruthless violence against a woman begging for mercy was too horrible and I snapped it off. 

 

And yet. 

 

"Rational-level goodness never fights, no matter how ferociously it is attacked. It is gentle and compassionate, tolerant and yielding, since it comes of love and mercy. Even though it does not fight, it conquers all."

Heavenly Secrets 1950, Emanuel Swedenborg

 

This passage is precious to me. It does not explain the news, nor history in a way that mitigates suffering. But it suggests the possibility of victory being something more substantial than a verdict, or a flag pole thrust in the bloody soil.