pt. 3

In the third precept of Engaged Buddhism the idea of non-attachment is again stated by establishing: "Do not force others, inlcuding childre, by any menas whatsoever, to adopt your views, whether by authority, threat, money, propgand, or even education. However through compassioante dialogue, help others renounce fanaticism and narrow-mindedness."
This presents a new challenge: do not only leave the attachment to your own views but also stop spreading them as the ultimate truth by any means, even if these require violence. In positive terms, this means to live free of attachments and let other live freely in their own judgment. Even more, this precept does not stops there, but actually shows the level of responsiblity of guiding others without imposing your own views. This is the role of the teachers of Dharma, whether religious or secular, who due to their experience and spiritual development can share deeper insights of the true nature of all dharmas (phenomena). This teachers are only guides in the sea of Samsara and not rulers who will tell you what to do, how and when to do it. Part of their wisdom is to let go-share- the knowledge they have as an act of compassion, and then also guided love toward the disciple, child or friend, leave-do not impose- the person to decide whether accept or not your recommendation. Some parents see their children a projection of a new possibility to achieve 'what I should have done that I didn't' and, thus, try to force them to follow certain path, ideology, religion, political party, profession, jobs, etc.
Thus, this third precept reminds us to be free and let others be free! free of attachments that will ultimately lead to suffering; free to fly wherever we want but also with an ever present responsibility of our thoughts and actions which are embedded in an interdependence relation with everything and everyone. Hence, freedom implies awareness; otherwise, 'freedom' becomes an excuse for 'ignorance' and having a life of excesses (alcohol, drugs, etc.) . At the end, the 'ignorant' who believes to be 'free' ends up imprisoned by their own vicious actions and practices. The recommendation is to be free-aware-reponsible in the ever changing reality that shows in every moment this interdepenent relations and what Thich Nhat Hanh calls 'Interbeing'