1. What is your reaction to Lydia Child’s concept that "men never violate the laws of God without suffering the consequences." Have you found this to be true? Give an example.

2. React to Solzhenitsyn's idea that the "line dividing good and evil cuts through every person?" Talk about the implications of this statement, especially in relationship to divisions among people such as friends and enemies.

3. Who have you known in your life who is a healer? Could you see him or her as more powerful than a great warrior?

4. What feelings did you have seeing the dying child in her mother’s arms? What can you do about something like this?

5. What could the skate boarding boy have said back to the woman who admitted she was really afraid she might get hurt by his skateboard?

6. What was the meaning behind the spiritual teacher giving his student permission to hit the shopkeeper who had been harassing her?

7. What change would you like to see happen — like the woman who started the petition for the children being killed in Ireland? What actions could you do right now to start the ball rolling?

8. Share your responses to the opinion that activists draw people further into fear, guilt and despair? Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Possible Practices

1. Consider your own views on justness. Did any of the segments in the DVD open you to reexamining your positions about it?

2. Make an effort this week to be just to someone or something where you might not usually be.

3. Journal about your most vivid experiences of injustice. Can they inform you today about something you are disturbed about? How might you take some action?

4. Research organizations that are working for justice locally, nationally, and internationally. Choose one to support with your money, time, or advocacy.

Visit the Justness homepage for more ways to practice this spiritual quality. Follow the links in the left column to:

  • a collection of quotations on compassion
  • book recommendations
  • book excerpts and teaching stories
  • film recommendations
  • music and art meditations
  • a daily cue, reminder, vow, and blessing for compassion
  • a prayer or mantra
  • personal explorations including imagery and journal exercises
  • practices and spiritual exercises
  • questions for discussion, storytelling, sharing
  • take action with household, group, and community projects
  • and more

Prepared by Persephone Zill with contributions from Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat