"The will in us to exact vengeance, which is escalatory by definition, comes down to nothing less than a drive towards death. We know cooperation and peace are how humans can survive but we more often choose the death-row exit strategies of revenge and war. The statement 'We have to fight back and protect ourselves so war is justified' is the same as 'There is no alternative to revenge.' These statements sound like war and revenge are the only plans we humans can think up. Yet we have ingenuity. We are certainly not myopic; we have gigantic vision. We are not primitive; we are better than that. We are not one-trick ponies; we are virtuosos. We can widen the range of our moral imagination and moral courage."
Introduction to Sweeter than Revenge, Overcoming Your Payback Mind, David Richo
On December 13, 2025 I attended a workshop led by author and teacher, David Richo. This workshop centered around his most recent book mentioned above. I do not know how often he has been making an annual trek to San Damiano in Danville to lead a workshop, but this was my third time to attend one of his events there. I was at first a little torn about attending just because of the timing. Looking back at my calendar, I see that December 13 was in the middle of Advent - a very good time, I learned, to explore the prevalence of revenge. Yes, even in myself. However, mostly I decided to attend because David Richo is not a young man, nor am I a young woman. There can be no assumptions made about next year being a better time. And I love his work.
Our nation is being led by a man who spends an inordinate amount of time seeking control, one-uppance, violence, and revenge. Yes, his vision is myopic and self-focused. It is also frightening, embarrassing, and lethal. Our nation is better than what we are doling out to the world and to ourselves. However, in contrast, there is a group of Buddhist monks who have undertaken a long Peace Walk from Ft. Worth, TX to Washington D.C. They are about halfway through their journey. Yet, just to finish is, I do not believe, the goal, despite the weariness they are probably experiencing. Their goal is reached every day as people come out to witness the monks and their journey. Some come to support and give encouragement, some to express gratitude. Maybe some come because they have never witnessed a group of monks quietly walking single file through their town. Regardless, the monks are reminding us that we, too, can be people of peace. We can make our own lives a walk dedicated to peace. Not hoarding all the goodies for the benefit of a few. Not revenge when we do not get our way. Not hate, not death, but peace. The peace that happens when people try to understand and honor one another's journey.
The attached photograph was taken a few days ago. It is, of course, not mine, but is from the fb page, "Walk for Peace". In both the man in the motorized chair and in the monk, I see Buddha. I see Jesus. I see no boundaries, only a deep love. I see hope for us all.
