Skill in action requires wise and clear thinking founded on the light of the Soul. It is the kind of thinking that is unaffected by the emotions but is infused with the compassion of the loving heart. When heart and head work together in unison there can be intelligent love in action. Skill in action in daily life and relationships leads to an understanding of other’s views without a rush to judgment; it brings harmlessness in thought, emotional reaction and action, all based upon the common good of humanity, without attachment to one’s own ideals.

One way of developing skill in action is through meditation. There is much interest in meditation today and there are many methods. The technique of meditation known as Raja-Yoga or mental union with the soul, integrates the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual so that the energies of the soul flow into mind and brain and the outer life. It is also interesting to consider that the concentrated deep reflection of the thinker in any creative field of human expression constitutes a form of meditation, bringing free play to those thoughts and ideas which lead humanity into wider and deeper levels of awareness.

Those who are able to “think in the heart” and are motivated by loving understanding are in a position to transform relationships. The fusion of intelligence and love-wisdom cuts a path through all material barriers and obstacles. This is a kind of “thinking” that can permeate all levels of relationship, whether local or global. For example, a friend or neighbour who is a good listener demonstrates skill in action. Similarly, the skilled mediator, in local or global disputes, is an impartial neutral catalyst who helps the parties to arrive at a mutually agreed solution.

At a global level, skill in action is apparent in the work of The Group of Elders, amongst whom are included Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Kofi Annan. The group aims to use its collective skills and experience to suggest new approaches to tackling global issues; the group can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes on whatever actions need to be taken. “They will seek opportunities to partner with established groups in ways that help shine a light on work already underway or to assist in bringing the group’s efforts to another level”.¹

Wise and skilful living that “shines a light” on the world is not something that appears out of thin air, rather, it is dependent upon high-minded thought, as is the worldwide Triangles network of light and goodwill.

¹http://www.theelders.org/

Triangles is a world service activity in which people link in thought in groups of three to create a planetary network of triangles of light and goodwill. Using a world prayer, the Great Invocation, they invoke light and love as a service to humanity. Further information is available on request from Triangles.

The Triangles Bulletin is for men and women of goodwill and is published four times a year in Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish. Triangles is an activity of the Lucis Trust, a non-profit educational charity which exists to promote right human relations.

For further information and literature write to Triangles:

Suite 54 3 Whitehall Court London SW1A 2EF UK

Case Postale 31 1 rue de Varembé (3e) 1211 Geneva 20 SWITZERLAND

120 Wall Street 24th Floor New York NY 10005 USA

www.triangles.org