When unthinkable happens

Kyiv, Independence Square (photo credit: Yantar Yoga)

The unthinkable is just that: unthinkable - up until the very moment it happens. That was exactly what occurred in Ukraine on February 24. Russian invasion was certainly not unexpected given the weeks of military buildup and threats, but it certainly felt unthinkable that in 2022, in Europe, tanks and missile launchers can once again roll into a peaceful country for no reason other than to advance another country’s delusions of empire. And yet, here we are. I reminisce about my latest visit to Kyiv in 2016 and all the wonderful people I met there. Today, this beautiful city and these innocent people are under attack. Hard to maintain yogic mindset on that, but I’m trying.

Dalai Lama, who certainly experienced his share of loss and state-directed brutality when China invaded Tibet in 1959 and he was forced into exile, has a lot of wisdom to offer in times like these. He likes to quote Shantideva, 8th-century Buddhist monk and philosopher who pointed out: if there is something to be done about the situation, there is no need for despondency; and if there is nothing that can be done, then what’s the use of being despondent? In other words, if you can do something to solve the problem, do it. If there isn’t anything more you can do, despair and dejection won’t help, either. I’m trying to take this wisdom to heart. While we can’t undo the damage already done, there is plenty we all can do: stay informed about the situation, support humanitarian aid, advocate for tough sanctions and call for more help from allied countries. Like Thich Nhat Hanh, speak out against war while cultivating peace within.