Vinay Raniga: One man with a dream can change the world. Tomorrow, all across the world, people will be celebrating the inspirational life of Dr. Martin Luther Kings Jr, the leader of the Civil Rights movement in America. The Vedic literatures give us an insight into the characteristics of great personalities. By studying the lives of such people, it gives us the inspiration to fortify ourselves with the same spiritual consciousness they possessed. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on some of the values Dr. King taught; trying to apply the principles he sacrificed his life for.
Nonviolence – In Stride Toward Freedom, Dr. King’s 1958 account of the Montgomery Movement, he outlined his way of nonviolence. Here he describes his personal journey in fighting discrimination, then offers six basic points underpinning nonviolence. One was “Nonviolence avoids not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. It practices love in action.” For King, real nonviolence meant ending the chain of hate with love, especially love connected with his own faith, Christianity. The Gita says the same. Nonviolence means to not put others in distress, either in mind, body or spirit. It means to elevate the consciousness of others by giving them an opportunity to obtain priceless spiritual knowledge.
Patience – From 1955, when Rosa Parks broke the segregation law, up to his assassination in 1968, Dr. King exhibited patience. It wasn’t simply one speech, march or sit-in that sent shockwaves to the highest members of congress. Making change, by changing yourself takes time. Practicing spirituality is no different. Rupa Goswami, the sixteenth-century devotional saint, writes in his Upadesamrita about the favourable quality of patience, dhairyat. Only with patience are we be able to see how our small activities are slowly changing our hearts and the hearts of others.
Determination – Even when jailed in unusually harsh conditions in Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. King did not give up. His determination against racism, was passionately shown by his peaceful actions of rebellion. Whilst jailed, he continued to argue that not only was civil disobedience justified in the face of unjust laws, but that “one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” Determination, sacrifice and enthusiasm are needed in any worthwhile activity. Goswami states in the Upadesamrita that the same enthusiasm we have for worldly pleasures should also be used to gain deep spiritual insight. In this world of mass-distraction, the best way to keep our determination afloat is to be in the same boat as focused, like-minded people. In other words, our resolve will be directed by who our friends are. “You are known by the company you keep.”
From leadership to bravery, there are countless other qualities that can be attributed to Dr. King. Throughout history, it has been shown that the reputation of a great man has lasted because of his impeccable character. Especially with the recent rise of social media, it has become fashionable to portray how we look before who we are. This is likened to building a house without a foundation; it will crumble with slight provocation. In the year ahead, we should strive to imbibe the qualities of Dr. King, choosing to assess ourselves not by the prestige of our name, but by the content of our character.
“In this world of mass-distraction, the best way to keep our determination afloat is to be in the same boat as focused, like-minded people.” – Levitate