Peace through conflict

When one takes a step back, and looks at our planet from a current, and historical perspective, it is pretty hard not to make the assumption that we live on a "war planet." No matter how diligent we are at making peace, conflict breaks out somewhere, somehow.

This being the case, it would be logical that one should look to the cause of our need to possess and impress, and find the root of our “need” to fight. What is the cause of this need to control and possess others? Where do our selfish desires, motivations and agendas come from? Most simply, they come from the ego self, or our identification as “me.”

From what we tend to find through study and research, taking the fight to the cause of our plight and ‘attacking” the ego, seems to be the fastest, surest, most no frills way to peace. If it is indeed the ego, that is the cause and vehicle that amplifies our instinctual needs, then only by rewiring the way we think, releases us from its selfish grip.

If one is to take a moment and ponder the above, would it not be reasonable then to consider, that perhaps the martial arts are a most valid path to peace? How else could one learn to "conquer" the ego self? Does not conquer, vanquish, and overcome fit the very theme in which we live?

We should also consider the logic presented to us from the dualistic state in which we live. Does one not seek warmth when cold, or dry when wet, or food when hungry? To fully realize an experience for what it is, we must have the knowledge of its opposite. If one is able to see the logic of the argument above, then could it be seen that seeking peace, without first experiencing the strife of "conquering" the ego self, is just avoiding the unavoidable?

If one is to look at all the evidence logically, it seems that finding the balance between selfishness and selflessness leads to a unity of the self, and finally peace. After all, has it not been said that, "all things worthwhile flow from peace,” and how best to know peace, then by first knowing strife?