Warriors of Peace: The Way of Destiny -Spoiler Alert

Mother! — said he, holding her gently in his arms.

Who has sent me lot in life, both of good and of evil?

Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

Thorin¹ was in a moment of almost break in front of his enemy, Azog^2,3. The feeling of loneliness consumed him. If even Ilúvatar abandoned us, why continue fighting against our destiny? Thorin thought. He neither saw Azog to smile sarcastically ahead him. His enemy did not know, but this was the ideal time to the Thorin’s death, because his soul would die together with his body^2,3. And so the Azog’s victory would be complete.

The silence dominated the clearing, while the dwarves were fighting for their lives, being broken only by the crackle of dry leaves on fire and the howls of the Orcs. Thorin looked around and felt the worst feelings in a battle invade his soul: impotence³. He knew that confront Azog astride his white warg was an irrational act that would result in his death, but it was impossible to control the volcano that erupted violently inside him. It was impossible to forgive the dishonor suffered, it was impossible to forget his lost kingdom¹,^2,3.

So Thorin stood up and went toward Azog to fulfill his destiny. The Oscrist sparkled in his hands, granted him the power of all warriors who possessed it before him. The eyes of wargs vibrated with anxiety, but to realize that the two leaders would go into singular combat, they stopped advancing, surrounding the dwarves in a tacit truce. To recognizing Thorin, the Azog’s eyes flashed with hatred. It was not a human look, came from the depths of an existence of darkness. And so, he leaped fiercely against the leader of the dwarves with his warg².

Thorin fell with the impact of the beast against his body. The fear and terror pierced the hearts of dwarves, who shouted his name. Thorin was trying to get up to counter-attack, but had no time because Azog astride his wargs moved faster. In a cowardly attack, the cruel warg arrested Thorin between its jaws. The leader of the dwarves defended himself as he could and with a stroke of the Oscrist wounded the Warg, who threw away against the rocks².

His broken body smiled, and he opened his physical eyes. That stole the smile Azog ahead him, which did not bore your look. He wanted to kill Thorin that moment, even realizing that it would not change the fact that the dwarf king was a being better than him.

But suddenly, something unusual happened and Thorin began to see through the eyes of Destiny, the Lord of the Eagles^2,3. And a flight louder they departed from this world, tainted by wargs and orcs, towards the infinite sky. Thorin was free! But that did not stop the sadness  take your heart. He had fought for a good cause, the best cause —the People of Durin —but not finished his mission, his destiny.

— A long road still awaits you, Thorin, said the Lord of the Eagles.

—But not the way to Erebor—Thorin said — I’ve realized that not survived the fighting against the blasted Azog.

—Still not your end, Thorin, since there is a work to finish; a key step to be taken.

Thorin meditated on the errors of his home and revenge against the dragon that was bequeathed to him and felt his heart harden. Maybe that was his destiny, to dream of lost treasures, and fall before his enemies. As if reading his thoughts the Lord of Eagles said:

—See, Thorin, the destiny is like the river that runs down there, that at his birth has something celestial in rainwater that accumulates on the land, and something terrestrial, in reliefs and ways that give vent to waters that form the riverbed. In the waters of destiny, everyone chooses how to browse, to the sides, against current, to the edges stopping every curve and often stopping for too long, or by the center where there is more fluidity. However, the path to the Ocean is right, despite all the obstacles that may arise³.

The destiny is in your hands, Thorin! From everything that’s offered to you, it behooves to you to choose what you want and do not want. Everything depends only on your own decisions. Light or darkness? Love or hate? Forgiveness or Revenge? It will be your choice! And I tell you more Thorin, will not be a rational choice, because you know the mechanisms of life. His decision will be based on the achievements of his heart, which symbolize the emotions. It is there that will spring the path you will follow. It behooves only for you to decide⁴.

—In the waters of fate, my choices were made long ago. Thorin said. Until take back Erebor. I will never forget. I will never forgive. While I live I will fight to take back what is rightfully ours.

The Lord of the Eagles agreed, and said:

—Right, your destination opens clear as the waters of that river, but to sail, follow the voice of your heart, Thorin. And then, he slowly rested the body of the dwarf in the peak of a mountain. Gandalf soon ran to him. There was still hope; his injuries were not beyond their knowledge.

Thorin opened his eyes. Did he only dream of?? Where was the Hobbit? Dawilin and Kili helped him stand up. It was then that Thorin saw Erebor, the Lonely Mountain. The bass singing of dwarves came into his mind. And he sang  the song of his life, not fully written yet².

References and notes

1. Tolkien, J. R. R. The Hobbit or There and the Back Again. Harper Collins Childre’s Book.

2. Jackson, P. 2012.  The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

3. Husseini, T. 2011. Paz Guerreira. O Caminho das Dezesseis Pétalas. Curitiba, Brasil. Peace Warrior. Available only in Portuguese.

4. Paranhos, R. B. 2009. Atlântida – No Reino da Luz. Editora Conhecimento. Brasil. Available only in Portuguese.

5. Imagens from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

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Warriors of Peace: The Way of Knighthood

To Joanna

 

The Dwarves have always been people strong and courageous. Many ancient tales say that Durin, the eldest of the Seven Fathers never died, but fell asleep for centuries in Khazad-dûm under the Misty Mountains¹. Beside him are his loyal companions in their mounts, with their swords, shields and hammers. They say that when shed bitter tears fall from the face of Durin’s Folk, they will awake and Durin, the Immortal, will return in the form of an heir of his house. But actually, the dwarves believe that himself will return because the dwarfs have many stories and beliefs about their fate in the world¹. I was a little more than a boy when I heard for the first time the song of the Sleeping Knights² the voice of my uncle Thorin, who in turn heard it from his father, who heard the father of his father, my grandfather.

—Kili, my son, go down to the water. And see the women weeping there. Then go up into the mountains. The men, they are weeping too³.

—Uncle, why are all the women weeping?

—They are weeping for their men.

—Then why are all the men there weeping?

—They are weeping back at them.

—Uncle, why are all the children weeping?

—They are merely crying, son

—O, are they merely crying, uncle?

—Yes, true weeping is yet to come, when their little hearts will be truly broken.

— Listen, Kili, this is a weeping song. A song in which to weep while all the men and women sleep. A song for the Sleeping Knights  awaken in the heart of the Mountain.

Giewont lies in the area of the Polish Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy). In Polish folklore it is associated with a legend about sleeping knights, who will awake when Poland is in danger.

—What is a Knight?

— A knight is a special man, chosen from among a thousand men, with a heart of gold, is someone who can see things from a different level from that of ordinary men. Nothing, for the knight, is common. The common man thinks before itself than in others, while the knight thinks before the other and nothing in himself⁴. He is the guardian of the weak, the defender of the helpless and the servant of the defenseless. The hope of those who do not find more in their own hearts. The common man loses himself in the guilt and regrets of the past and despairs before the uncertainties of the future, forgetting that the moment is the present. Already, the knight only live the present moment, knowing that all else is illusion⁴. He know that every dawn is unique and special as each sheet traveling packed by the wind and every flower that comes in your way or wine which comes to his lips and every conversation you have with a friend or a lady. Finally, the knight live each moment as it goes arms with death and know that each time may be his last moment⁴.

—That does not scare them, Uncle?

— No, that would scare just a common man, by contrast, gives you strength and courage to live life with all its intensity, because who is not afraid of dying is also not afraid to live⁴!

—O Uncle tell me, are you weeping? Your face seems wet to touch³.

— Yes, Kili, after all this is a weeping song. A song in which weeps while all the men and women sleep. But I won’t be weeping for too long³.

And so, while his arms hit strongly the hammer on the anvil and his mind was lost in images that only his eyes saw, I heard the legend of the Knights Sleepers for the first time. That’s how I first saw the Sleeping Knights  awake and offer their sword as a sign of loyalty to their reborn King, the heir of the House of Durin. It was that night that my fate beside Thorin, King Under the Mountain, was sealed and I became their youngest knight.

Today, the Sons of Durin flourish and a new King Mountain Under governs, but in the heart of Erebor, the Slepping Knights still hear the weeping song  that pack the sleep of men and women while they sleep and silently wait the moment of awakening again in their hearts.

Reference

1. Tolkien, J. R. R. 2009. O Silmarillion. Título original The Silmarillion. Editora WMF Martins Fontes, São Paulo, Brasil.

2. The text was based in the Polish Legends

,The Sleeping Knights

3. The Weeping Song. Lyrics by Nick Cave and Bad Seeds

4. Husseini, T. 2011. Paz Guerreira. O Caminho das Dezesseis Pétalas. Curitiba, Brasil. Peace Warrior. Trek Sixteen Petals. Curitiba, Brazil. Available only in Portuguese.

5. Images from

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

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Warriors of Peace: The Way of Honor

The time of one’s life is  limited, the honor and respect lasts forever.

Miyamoto Musashi

Thorin remained silent, the brightness of the sword gleamed in his eyes, while Elrond was examining the swords that he and Gandalf had brought from the troll’s cave.

— They are old swords, very old swords of the High Elves of the West, my kin. They were made in Gondolin for the Goblin-wars. They must have come from a dragon’s hoard or goblin plunder, for dragon and globins destroyed that city many ages ago. This, Thorin, the runes name Orcrist, the Globin-cleaver in the ancient tongue of Gondolin; it was a famous blade. This, Gandalf, was Glamdring, Foe-hammer that the king of Gondolin once wore. Keep them well! (Tolkien, 2007)

Thorin pondered those words. — I will keep this sword in honor. May it soon cleave goblins once again! (Tolkien, 2007).

— A wish that likely to be soon granted in the Mountains, Elrond said.  But if you were looking just for a sword, it will not remain in your hands! It will be lost and with it, you will lose. This swords brings the life, knowledge and experiences of all those who held it before you. The most important is to know why and how to hold a sword of power. Very Elves already had it, or perhaps more correct to say it had them, because they are gone and sword remains. As the Power remains therein. A true King should use it with honor (Husseini, 2011)!

—The honor is not defeat your opponent with only one blow, but teach him discipline and respect for moral superiority  (Husseini, 2011), said Gandalf. However, if you were not up to its mission, the sword would not have sought you!! The sword is yours! Gandalf said handing Orcrist to Thorin. The sword will channel the power necessary to restore the Kingdom under the Mountain, but it won’t teach you how to do it.

Then, Elrohir stopped them calling them to the Great Hall where there was music and a magnificent supper awaited them. Both Lord went away. Thorin wanted to accompany them, but a a beautiful statue of a female figure (Fur, 2001), between two columns, with a blindfold and a sword in her hand caught his attention and Thorin retained to examine her.

Suddenly, wasn’t that his surprise! The statue began to move slowly and a melodious voice resonated in his mind.  — I do not need a sword, I make of my calm and silence my sword, she said.

— What trick is this, Elf? Who are you? Thorin asked visibly annoyed. He was tired of magic tricks, singing of Elves and unsolicited advice.

— Themis, I am. The mother of the Horai (Seasons), the Moiras (Three Fates), the Hesperides, the Astrea, the Atlas and the Prometheus (Fur, 2001), said the living statue. And, as the light is away from the shadow, my sword is the willpower that emerges in the consciousness of all beings and forcefully penetrates into the depths of the lower mind, warring against the darkness of ignorance, revolving and attracting to the open field of consciousness the asleep parties and the unconscious of being itself   , exposing them to examination of impersonal consciousness (Zari, 2011).  The hand’ Thorin sought his sword, but this vanished like smoke, rising in the hands of Elf or statue, whatever it was, that imposed in front of the body. Emptiness filled the mind of Thorin, making it unable to move and he found himself in another dimension, a place where neither the past nor future exists. Neither the fear and desire, only nothingness.

— This, Dwarf, is a sword of power and power is the manifestation of the will, said Themis. Its action may be the force that builds, consecrates and blesses, but can also be violent or destructive, according to the Supreme Law. Be either its action, it expresses the motive power and an imposition of will. So is the supreme expression of the spirit (Zari, 2011) .

Thorin floated and he saw his body adrift in a small stream slowly flowing coming to an emerald blue lake that lay at the bottom of a valley. On its edge with a fire burning high and crackling flames. Two Dwarves stay on opposite sides and the steel of  their swords meet in the center. At each meeting lightning came.
—The sword comes from lightning,  Themis said. – It focuses its strength on the tip that through of the conscious action can penetrate the dark and unconscious layers of each being. She combats the darkness, the obscure and unconscious impulse that is expressed through of inferior personality. Once exposed to the field of consciousness, the primitive impulses and blind of personality are  constantly fought with the sword, which is the very action of conscience (Zari, 2011) .

Themis approached the warriors who fought and in a quick spin with her sword cut off the head of one of the dwarfs, ending the movement with the sword in the heart of another. Thorin was not afraid to be the next to feel the coldness of the blade, as a warrior, he does not fear neither death nor life. The sword turned in her hands and despite her mouth did not move her voice was clear in the ears of Thorin, and she said: – The sword knows when  the right time to act is. Therefore, it is also the law: it is the creative force and is the direct action of the will of the Father You Thorin had the honor required to leave the sheathed sword when many would use it. You had the honor required to take the sword in the face of certain death, while remaining true to your principles and your People, when many took the terror, which is fertile ground for treason. So, I, Themis, give to you the sword and the trust that the power of Justitia prevail on the facts and events of your life. Thorin received back Ocrist in his hands and at that moment Balin came to meet him.
— Thorin. What are you doing here alone looking at this statue? Everybody is waiting for you! Come, we will meet the others!
— Not tonight, I’m not for conversation. – Thorin replied dryly, trying to fit the reality around him.

— Let’s go Thorin, it is not good to be alone for long, with empty stomach and restless mind. Soon you will see this statue in motion at the place where heaven and earth meet and then it all will be lost! Come on, at least eat something.
Thorin shook his head slightly, declining the offer. Balin looked at him looking at his face and dropped a laugh, saying: — Oh, it’s too late! Neither Gandalf nor Elrond could bring him back. Even Aule. Are you lost, Thorin to the world of Valier!
Thorin smiled slightly, went to the room, convinced that his vision was not even a dream or a hallucination, no matter what everyone would think, his fate was in the hands of Justitia.

Reference

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Tolkien, J.R.R. 2011. The Hobbit. wmf martinsfontes editor. São Paulo, Brazil.

Faur, M. 2001. The annual Great Mother’s Practical Guide rituals to celebrate the Goddess. Publisher Gaia. Sao Paulo, Brazil. Available only in Portuguese.

Husseini, T. In 2011. Peace Warrior. Trek Sixteen Petals. Curitiba, Brazil. Available onlyin Portuguese.

Zari, 2011. The symbol of the sword. Available only in Portuguese.

To learn more about Orcrist recommend Heirs of Durin 1 and 2

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Warriors of Peace: The Way of Leadership

The years lengthened. The embers in the heart of Thorin grew hot again, as he brooded on the wrongs of his House and of the vengeance upon the Dragon that was bequeathed to him. He thought of weapons and armies and alliances, as his great hammer rang in the forge; but the armies were dispersed and the alliances broken and the axes of his people were few; and a great anger without hope burned him, as he smote the red iron on the anvil (Tolkien, 2008).

In the darkness of the huge hall, Thorin heard the sound behind the sound of his blows. Rhythmic sounds that after a few eternal seconds, were translated into silence. The silence that comes from the solitude of the warrior. It was Balin.

— It‘s time you accept your fate Thorin, do not fear the power, because when we met with it, we discovered that we have always had power. Do not be afraid to lead, not only because the people with you need you, as you need them. Only we find our identity when we effectively act in accordance with our destiny (Husseini, 2011).

— I do not fear neither the power nor the destination, said Thorin. Power is the bridge between the Being and the existence. This is what opens the door to the destination. For a man of power, nothing is impossible, he has consciousness his inner unity and own immortality. The warrior who taps the power becomes representative on earth of this divine attribute. This is leadership (Husseini, 2011).

— Do you fear not being a leader? Balin asked. If it were another to drive you to that question would have drawn his sword and proven the final blow of his wrath, but that was Balin, the second dwarf in his company. The dwarf who accompanied his father, Thrain, when that he went in search of treasure Erebor and never returned. Thus, Thorin knew that his question was not a sharp knife in order to offend him, but it intended only to penetrate his mind to know his thoughts.

— A leader always takes the initiative and knows which way to go. Always use the element of surprise and with charisma ensures success. The leader is like the sun when it arises, and the chaos and the shadows dissipate for their passage (Husseini, 2011). I bring only darkness and desire to return to the Kingdom of Erebor in my heart, said Thorin. However, his eyes burned like embers and a magical aura shone with all his being, illuminating the great hall.

Overcome with emotion, the old dwarf placed his sword at the feet of Thorin and said, “A leader is one who makes everyone around his back to dream and hope. It makes people feel protected, motivated and valued, feel that their lives can touch the unusual, and make them able to break through the limitations and mediocrity. A leader has the answer to all questions in own soul, nothing is beyond him, and he knows that the reality of power is within his inner circle (Husseini, 2011). You are the leader of the dwarves, Thorin, and I will follow you and will serve you until the end of my day, because only those who have the power to overcome within him can win out.”

Thorin embraced his old friend, he knew that his words did not seek to teach you anything new, let alone flatter you, but just remind you of what your soul already knew. That he was the leader of Durin’s Folk, the King under the Mountain.

References and Subtitles

1. Tolkien, J. R. R. 2008. Unfinished Tales of Numenor and Middle-earth. Paw Prints.
2. Husseini, Talal. 2011. Peace Warrior. The path of sixteen petals.
Publisher TH, Curitiba. Only available in Portuguese

http://www.pazguerreira.com.br/o-livro
3. Images captured from the teaser released The Hobbit by Peter Jackson. Photos available in  http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/

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Warriors of Peace: the Way of Admiration

Peace is the Way

There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.

There is no way to freedom. Freedom is the way.

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way.

Peace is here and now. Peace is the way.

With every breath, every step, the peace is the way.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Looking back I don’t remember of the final victory, the result achieved or the satisfaction of achieving a goal. It seems that all that remained were the memories of the path. The memories of times when I sat in the sun and I looked the landscape like someone who contemplates life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t remember those who waited for me only in the final, but those who supported me throughout the journey, at times when my steps faltered and courage seemed to escape. My memories are filled with images of those who laughed with me, shared my food, shared my dreams and patiently listened to my desires and doubts.

My memories cling to the smiles of children I witnessed the birth and get lost in the starry heavens, in the colorful flowers, in the sound of leaves in the wind, in the surprise of finding a wild animal along the road. My memories expand when I remember of the faces of those who crossed my path, the glances of complicity, the whispered conversations in the evening and the shared hopes.

In every step of the way I realize that I’m not the same of the beginning of the journey and I will not be the same tomorrow. Along the way I dispose of myself, of my old beliefs and certainties. I follow the path and realize that I am made of the same stuff of stars; the sun that warms me also heats the tiny insect that feeds on the flower in my garden, which heats the wings of the hummingbird and brightens the day of the artist on the other side the world.

So the true that I read the books come to mind. The true that no matter the objectives achieved, no matter reach the top of the mountain at the end of the line. What matters is the journey itself. Reach a final is not as important as is walking. It is the trail that counts, it’s the journey that us changes.

The mystery that is at the end is the same as found in early and middle (Hussein, 2011).  For the raindrop that falls from the clouds, no matter the mystery of its fate, but the journey on the river. But the journey on the river does not matter if the raindrops are not together forming the river. So what really matters is being together.

With every breath, every step of the way, what matters is being together, knowing all the beauty that surrounds us, enchanted with the magic that is expressed at every moment lived, astonished at the perfection of life.

Anol shalom⁴

Anol sheh lay konnud de ne um

Flavum

Nom de leesh

Ham de nam um das…

Almighty Freedom

Almighty freer of the soul

Be free

Walk with me

Through the golden fields

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012!

References and Subtitles

1Husseini, Talal. 2011. Peace Warrior. The path of sixteen petals. Publisher TH, Curitiba. Available only in Portuguese. http://www.pazguerreira.com.br/o-livro

2. Fan video produced by Ana Cris. Scenes from the movie "Gladiator", directed by RidleyScott. DreamWorks Distribution (U.S.) and Universal Studios (international). Song "Now We Are Free" by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard. Vegas Pro 10 Software
3. Figures 1 to 3. Images from Gladiator by Ridley Scott.

4. Now we are free lyrics by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard.

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Warriors of Peace: The Way of Humility

I’m Uhtred, son of Uhtred, and this is the story of a blood feud.

This is the story of how I will take from my enemy what the law says it is mine.¹

It is the story of how I walked the path of Sixteen Petals²

and  I became  a warrior

in the eternal battle that takes place in the hearts of men,  because

the real war being is waged inside, the true peace is a

Warrior Peace!²

What is a warrior? It dominates our imagination. Sword, courage and honor. Honor meaning nobility of soul and contempt for evil. The warrior is fearless because he gives himself to death in battle and does so with dignity. He learns to cope with fear, live with it and master it in the shield wall. Shield against shield. Where there is only the warrior, their brothers in arms and his death.

But first and foremost a warrior is humble. He does not serve himself. He does not serve his home. He does not serve his personality, his vanity. He serves his Master, whose feet he laid his sword and swore an oath to serve beyond their strength and with purity of his heart (Hussein, 2011).

He serves the song of the sword, which cuts out the false, the deception and the illusion. Roaring values of the soul that are nobility, goodness, truth and justice. Together with his brothers he is strong and fearless. His conduct is an example to his brothers. A warrior does not flee the fighting that life imposes, does not flee of life nor death, neither pain nor fear. His greatest sacrifice is to forget oneself, to humbly reborn as the leader, delivering at its destination to continue fighting for the higher ideal (Hussein, 2011). For a warrior there is no past, only lessons learned on the battlefield and there is no future because the future does not exist. There is only the present moment to be lived, his actions that will ensure his name in the book of God.

A warrior is the fire itself, turning everything in its power, with his steadfast faith, his unfailing strength and his honesty straightforward. With his personal magnetism he earns the respect of his enemies. Your heart is like the sun illuminates the darkness; bring solutions to the problems and virtues to combat the mistakes. A warrior does not fear the unknown (Hussein, 2011).

A warrior understands that it serves humanity, that their decisions affect the welfare of the community. So he brings in his heart humanity and kindness. Their actions are based on deep reflection and discernment, which are important allies in your journey (Hussein, 2011).

A warrior is not afraid to take his place in the world. Take your vocation, because he knows that his victory is not in the world. His victory is in your soul. Because the real battle is waged in the hearts of men, dueling against indifference, selfishness and pride. True peace is a warrior peace because it does not conform to injustice, falsehood, corruption, irresponsibility and illusion.

The warrior is in every one of us, he it helps us develop our potential to overcome and master our fear. His sword cut off our illusions, separates the true from the false, undo our pride. He calls us to assume our role in the world and to accept our calling, to let go out the worldly desires and to aspire to the ideal world. With unwavering strength against adversity he helps us to be what we’re meant to be, full beings, integrated and masters of our fate.

References and Subtitles

1. Cornwell, B. 2005. The Last Kingdom. Saxon Chronicles. Book I. HarperCollins Publishers.

2. Husseini, Talal. 2011. Peace Warrior. The path of sixteen petals. Publisher TH, Curitiba. Available only in Portuguese. http://www.pazguerreira.com.br/o-livro

3. Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. Photo available at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/

4 and 5. Images captured from video provided by Peter Jackson from his film The Hobbit. Photos available in http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/

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