There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born. It is serene. Empty. Solitary. Unchanging. Infinite. Eternally present. It is the mother of the universe. For lack of a better name, I call it the One. It flows through all things, inside and outside, and returns to the origin of all things, and at …the end all things return to it. Embrace it, respect all of creation, and yourself…
Whoever relies on the One in governing men doesn’t try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms. For every force there is a counter-force. Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.
If the power hungry, greed driven men and women could venter themselves in the one, the whole world would be transformed, returning to its natural state, its natural rhythms. People would be content with their simple, everyday lives, in harmony, living in love, and free of want and need When there is no need, all things are at peace.
Weapons are the tools of violence; all decent men detest them. Weapons are the tools of fear; a decent man will avoid them except in the direst necessity and, if compelled, will use them only with the utmost restraint. Peace is his highest value. His enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself. Nor does he re…joice in victory. How could he rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?