Law of Causation - the Israel Palestinian conflicts

 

American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once said:

"Oh God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference'. 

In my opinion, the 5 natural laws called the 5 Niyama  in Buddhism can provide some guidance on this. The 5 Niyamas include:

Utu Niyama- the natural law of non-living matter including law of physics, chemistry, geology and other sciences.

Bija Niyama- law of living matter more in terms of the biological aspect of living things including the law of genetics.

Karma Niyama- law of moral causation. "All of our volitional thoughts, words, and deeds create an energy that brings about effects and that process is called Karma".

Citta Niyama- Law of mental activity including psychology that pertains to consciousness, thoughts and perceptions. "We called this stream of thoughts as the mind. So arising and destruction of the thoughts is not controlled by anyone and it is a law of the universe".

Dharma Niyama- a natural spiritual law including the doctrines of Annatta (non self or egolessness), Shunyata (emptiness) and Anicca (impermanence)

Everything in life is explained through these natural laws. Recognising which of these we can change is similar to what Reinhold Niebuhr refers to as wisdom. Knowing the causal effect of our action and thoughts (Karma Dharma) helps us to be mindful of the impact they have on everything around us. Beyond that we have to accept with a sense of serenity the other Niyamas and learn to live within them.

I am reading a book entitled "Israelis and Palestinians; From the cycle of violence to the conversation of mankind" by Jonathan Glover. The book describes at great length the deep baggage of conflict and sufferings endured by both sides for generations. The psychology of seeking revenge for the deep wounds inflicted by the other party, the attachment to rigid religious beliefs and the staunch identity moulded by years of conflict I think exemplified the laws of Karma Niyama, and Citta Niyama and perhaps even shape the DNA of the people as per the Bija Niyama.

Glover suggests bold steps to weaken this "psychological trap"; challenging the rigid religious beliefs, "understanding the Mirage of Getting Even" and creating an identity transcending the conflict. This would be what Reinhold refer to as the 'courage to change the things I can'. 

It will be in line with creating a positive causal effect as per the law of Karma.