Hi All, I am a new member here, invited to join to learn more about your group, as well as post about a new group I am forming. I am starting a group to learn about the history of nonviolence and nonviolent resistance of oppression. I am using a textbook called Solutions to Violence, which contains material compiled by former Washington Post writer Colman McCarthy. Writings from this book have been made available online at:
http://www.salsa.net/peace/conv/index.html I long to be part of a community in which I can connect with others on the level of spirit, and honor teachings such as those of Amma to see the good in all while not being a lamb in the face of injustice. To this end, I have been incorporating Walter Wink's ideals, found in his book The Powers That Be: http://tinyurl.com/yt8ww7 and other of his writings, as well as other works by other people, into the Class of Nonviolence materials and discussions. This group has been meeting locally in the Los Angeles area, but I am wanting to expand it into an online community. For me personally, staying in touch with Amma's online groups, including posting Amma's words at AmmaBhakti Yahoo Group, helps me face each day invigorated. I am wanting thepowerzthatbe Yahoo Group to even further energize me to express love and compassion in my relationships and work in the world. These words of Amma's resound for me in creating this online community via thepowerzthatbe Yahoo Group: "You do not have to believe in Amma, or in a God who resides up above in the sky on a golden throne. It is enough if you have faith in yourself. If you don't have faith in yourself, then there is not much to gain even if you believe in God. Faith in God is to strengthen your faith in you, the faith in your own Self. This is, in other words, called Self-confidence, confidence in your own Self. If that is not there you cannot succeed in life, whatever your field may be. Self-confidence is nothing but mental balance, courage and control over your own mind to confront the problems of life. You cannot escape from the problems of life...they are... unavoidable. How are you going to face them if you do not have faith in yourself?" If this group sounds interesting to you, here is the link to it. I recommend going to the group homepage, reading each message posted (there are less than 10 at the moment), and posting your own introduction or inspiring message: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thepowerzthatbe/ Thank you for your time. Regards, Mary Ann
