Applied Zen In Law Enforcement

A manageable definition of Zen is that Zen emphasizes rigorous self-control, meditation-practice, insight into Buddha nature, and the personal expression of this insight in daily life, especially for the benefit of others.

Zen Buddhism

So consider this:  What would happen if law enforcement, while pursuing their job of ensuring public safety, practiced an Americanized version of this Buddhist philosophy?  Would serious crime drop?  Would police-civilian confrontations be lessened?  And would the unfortunate perception of some police as bullies with badges change for the better? I wonder that too, and I think it would.

My readers know that I'm firmly pro law enforcement, and that I'm also very metaphysical in my personal philosophy.  But an interesting conversation with an off duty sheriff's deputy today made me think that there may be a viable marriage between Oriental thinking and Occidental law enforcement.

In this conversation today - two guys just having a philosophical chat as guys will do - it was revealed that we both shared some background.  We're both from the same county, same schools, studied Oriental martial arts, and understand some basic metaphysical dynamics.  His discipline is Jujitsu, mine is Tae Kwon Do.  So it was natural that we discussed the application of these disciplines as applied in the execution of our individual duties in our jobs.  I've done that for years in my career, and he has in his career as well.

One of the main tenants of Oriental martial arts is that once you learn to fight, once you become the warrior, you no longer have the need - or the urge- to fight.  The agitated ego is replaced by a deeper, calmer awareness.  The knowledge that a student of these disciplines will understand is - that along with the power to deprive another of his power and his life - there comes a sacred responsibility.  A better solution to a given situation therefore,  rather than ending in injury or death, could be a thoughtful de-escalation though self control, and as an extension, control of the situation. 

Well now.  Could that really work?  In the mean streets?  Where the boys in blue are targeted?  In the face of anti-police vicious gangs and thugs?  He and I think it could, of course.  It has been tried in the past, and successfully so, on a local scale.   And on a one-on-one situation especially.  Let it trickle up.  From street to training to doctrine.  But police don't really get that kind of training.  They get "you enforce the law" training that may or may not be the best way to get people to obey and respect the law.  

This is not an indictment in any way of the current policies and procedures that law enforcement use to do their jobs.   That said, even if something works pretty well, could there not be even more and better improvement?  I think so too.  But we'll refrain from asking that of the FBI.

As the wise man has said, sometimes a deep revelation can slap you upside the head when you least expect it.  That's the universe trying to get your attention.  It has a message for you.

Better listen up.