(Power is derived from Latin 'posse' which means to be able. Grace takes its roots from Latin 'gratia' that means pleasing, kind. French grace means forgiving.)
The notion of power has often been linked to physical force. Power
and its use and abuse are associated with control, confinement and conformity.
This kind of use of power has at different points of history seen the rise of
dictators and tyrants. Power that verges on senseless massacre of minorities
and those considered 'rebellious' and 'deviant', is, not surprisingly, devoid
of grace. This kind of power functions not just at the dominant levels of
hierarchy. It is prevalent in almost every strata of social structure, as
Michel Foucault, the French historian of ideas, had pointed out. It seeks to
control and legitimize ideas and belief systems that are in harmony with the
ideologies that are considered 'normal'. Foucault's analysis of 'madness' in
this context is relevant here. He describes how 'madness' has been 'used' for
conveniently muting voices of dissent and disobedience in an age of reason.
Power is all these examples has been used to mean something that
restrains, something that contains. But there is another kind of power which is
completely free of brutality. It is a strength sages derive from self-control
and disciplining of the senses. It is a virtue that calms turbulent minds and
stormy hearts.
Remember the story of Buddha taming the wild elephant.
When Buddha's cousin Devdutta unleashed his jealousy on the great
sage by letting loose an elephant that was drunk and enraged by the cruel
treatment he had been subjected to, Buddha remained unperturbed. A woman cried
for help as she felt that the mad elephant would trample her child. Buddha did
not succumb to any fear. Nor did he administer cruelty on the animal. He
reciprocated with love. He touched the elephant. There was magic in his touch,
a magic that stemmed from love that was powerful
yet graceful. It was an affectionate caress that understood the pain
of the mad elephant. The touch did not desire to defend. Rather it wanted to
help.
This kind of power that Buddha
possessed was power that was ‘able’ to ‘please’ rather than condemn or demean.
‘Graceful power’ or ‘powerful grace’ are
not oxymoronic phrases. They define an attitude. They exemplify a state of mind
that is free from bias, jealousy and barbarity. They define a mindset that aims
not to curb but set free.
Power that pleases
stems from a heart
that is kind
not a mind that is cruel....
It is grace
that pleases.....
Calm and serene
Like the ocean's water
Placid and balmy....
Powerful yet graceful.....
Do spare some time to read my other Blog-a-Rythm entries by clicking the links below:
Silly Stillies
Footprints That Changed My Life
Silly Stillies
Footprints That Changed My Life
