the jackal and the third noble truth, part two

Nonviolence is one of the foundations on which Buddhism is built. There is a current movement called Nonviolent Communication being followed by many monks and nuns in their monasteries and nunneries. Apparently, the movement is making a positive difference in the way that problems are solved in these communities.

First, an overview of the Four Noble Truths:

1. Life is suffering
2. Suffering has a cause
   
3. Suffering also (and therefore) has a cessation
4. The path to the cessation of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path
   

As always in Buddhism, there is a lot of symbolism involved in Nonviolent Communication. In this particular teaching, Ajahn Sumedho describes the symbolic nature of the jackal, which is a lot like a coyote. The jackal is the beastly aspect of our minds, savage and unruly, which always looks for a place to lay blame. Sometimes, when negative things happen, our inner tyrant wants to place blame on ourself, but for the most part, the jackal points a finger outward.

When we sit in meditation, or just listening in silence (Sumedho is big on the sound of silence), we can find respite from the jackal. When there is silence in our body/mind construct, the cessation of this blaming mind has been actualized, because in silence, the jackal actually ceases. This is the cessation of suffering. This is the third noble truth, in daily life, in practice. It is not so very far away, not so unfathomably futuristic as we might imagine it to be.

I found this teaching very encouraging. I am also planning to do some research into the Nonviolent Communication movement once things settle back down on our return. I am fascinated by the notion and would really like to know more...