Have you noticed that it is ideas that kill, and not people?

The idea that "This is our holy land". The idea that "My race is superior to yours". The idea that "Your land belongs to my land". The idea that "Sexuality is this way, and no other". The idea that "capitalism is the best economic system". The idea that we "must destroy nature, to save nature". The idea that "My God is the only true God".

Be very careful around thought. People are merely instruments of thought sometimes. But thought can be mastered. This requires a de-identification with thought. A separation from thought as "self". In this state, thought can be observed and examined.

"From where did this thought come?"

"Is this thought conditioned by past experiences, culture, or fear?"

"Does this thought serve unity, or does it divide?"

"What would remain if I let this thought go without acting upon it?"

I wonder, what a man would be if he let his thoughts pass by without reacting to them, as the clouds pass by in the sky. I think, peacefully observing. Free, no longer a prisoner to habitual patterns of thought and emotion, able to act intentionally rather than react impulsively. Alive, fully experiencing the richness of existence.

I also think that the more one detaches ones self from thought and mental chatter, the more quiet our existence becomes. The mind eventually becomes still. In this quiet state, the tiny voice of wisdom which speaks from the soul becomes the only guide. Not so much a voice, as simply.. knowing.