Sikh tenets of forgiveness and peace on display at vigil for Oak Creek victims

[Lucy Goosey]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/08/sikh-forgiveness-oak-creek-vigil?newsfeed=true

Yet the rapid learning curve since the massacre delivered up the unexpected. Some at the vigil were struck by the Sikh community's willingness to forgive the man who committed murder in their temple, who was himself shot dead by the police, and to emphasise peace over vengeance. The town's police chief, John Edwards, was among them.

"In 28 years of law enforcement, I have seen a lot of hate. I have seen a lot of revenge. I've seen a lot of anger. What I saw, particularly from the Sikh community this week was compassion, concern, support," he told the vigil standing in front a row of people holding signs that spelled out: practice peace. "What I didn't see was hate. I did not see revenge. I didn't see any of that. And in law enforcement that's unusual to not see that reaction to something like this. I want you all to understand how unique that is."

Pelzek said that in a country so often unforgiving and vengeful it was startling to see the Sikh response to the tragedy. "It surprised everyone when they were victims of someone so full of hatred. Because of their reaction, saying they'd like to forgive and move on, I think that's quite the attitude to hear after what just happened," she said.

The lesson, spelled out by Oak Creek's mayor, Steve Saffidi, was that it shouldn't have taken a tragedy for Sikhs, or anyone else, to find acceptance.

[Animal Chin]

1. Inspiring! N/t

[Patiod]

2. Reminds me of the Amish of Nickel Mines

Who helped out the widow of the monster who took their kids hostage and then murdered them.

What an example for the world of how to live in the Light.

[Lucy Goosey]

4. I thought of them, too. eom

[ananda]

3. That's so beautiful.

And poignant.