Indians on the Warpath

I was fortunate to be Quaker since, from the 1650 on, the Society of Friends taught non-violence, the quality of women and racial justice. Later, the Quakers inspired social reformers, including Dr. King. But all this came home to me in an even direct way because of where I went to church on Sunday, a Meeting as Quakers call our places for worship- silent meditation- where anyone who wishes can rise and speak... with no priest, no hierarchy and no dogma.

But first a little history:

When William Penn was given the tract he named Pennsylvania (Penn's woods), he set out to establish a Quaker colony. Unlike other white men in power, he didn't seize land from Native Americans- (in this case, the Delaware Indians)- he bought it. Moreover, refusing to fortify Philadelphia- "the City of Brotherly Love"- in 1682, he signed a treaty with the Indians. In their own words, this established a "chain of friendship." And it was one which all parties honored.

But by 1701, when Penn had to go back to England, many people were streaming into Philadelphia. Pennsylvania was no longer Quaker and others didn't treat Indians respectfully. By then, a Friends Meeting  (which I was to attend) was established in an area called Lansdowne, and, at some point, the Delaware Indians went on the warpath.

On Sunday, the Quakers were at Meeting when the Indians burst in, brandishing tomahawks and in full war paint. Instead of panicking, the Quakers just went on meditating. What we call the "Greeter"- someone who sits by the door to usher latecomers to a seat so they won't disturb the silence- held up a cautionary finger to his/her lips, indicating to the war party that they shouldn't make so much noise. At once, the Indians got silent, sat down and joined the meditation.

At the end of our worship, Quakers shake hands with the person to the left and to the right. This is the tradition. And so, as the hour-long silence ended, everyone shook hands and the war party departed in peace. Needless to say, they hadn't slaughtered anyone. No one was frightened, no one made a fuss; there was no further incident; and the whole thing ended in serenity.

That story made a huge impression on me when I was a little boy. It taught me something important about the power of consciousness. I see that opportunity in everything- every moment of every day. It's so clearly what Dr. King was talking about, a call to consciousness we all have a chance to rise to, and live up to, in everything we do. Or we can miss the opportunity and embrace reactive fear.

So...? What is it to be?