Twelfth: Do not kill. Do not let others kill. FInd whatever means possible to protect life and prevent war.
Being Peace, by Thich Nhat Hanh
Well that’s pretty clear, isn’t it? Simple. Clear. Directive. Note that there’s no “but if … then it’s okay” clause.
If you haven’t seen The Onion’s take on this precept, it’s available here: God Angrily Clarifies ‘Don’t Kill’ Rule. (Just because we’re talking about something important, doesn’t mean we can’t be funny.)
I'm a writer and editor based in Livingston, Montana. I moved to Livingston from the San Francisco Bay area in 2002 in search of affordable housing and a small community with a vibrant arts community. I found both. LivingSmall details my experience buying and renovating a house, building a garden, becoming a part of this community. It also chronicles my efforts to rebuild my life after the sudden death of my younger brother, and closest companion, Patrick in a car wreck.