Loving kindness doesn't mean you never get angry, but understanding how anger springs up when you feel threatened loosens its grip - that brings strength. It's not power that corrupts, wrote Aung San Suu Kyi, it's fear.
Whatever the outcome of the monks' revolt, their courage in stepping outside the monasteries to stand by ordinary people is a victory in itself.
The monks are honouring the Buddha's words, teaching that loving kindness is also a call to action. Just as a mother would risk her life for her child, her only child, so let one cultivate boundless love towards all beings.
And we all know that a little green CGI fella once said, "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering".
On the other hand, the Bible tells us that love is the absence of fear. 1 John 4v18 tells us that "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love".
I am impressed and inspired by the exhibition of love by the monks in Burma. Some of you would know that i am also a long time admire of Aung San Suu Kyi. I am not a Bhuddist. But i respect them. Unlike a certain other religion which calls for violence and murder each time they feel offended (and it's pretty often), they believe in the opposite.
Sometimes, as a Christian, i feel ashamed that we are not displaying love as much as we should be - after all, we do claim that we are receipients of God's great love.
*Their first #1 hit, it was written for the brilliant movie, Back to the Future, which to me, is the most accurate and goof-free time travel show ever. It was also featured in the 2 sequels.
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