Giving up aggression towards others requires giving up aggression towards oneself. Thich Nhat Hanh taught in Being Peace that creating peace begins with inner transformation and authentic embodiment of peaceful qualities.

Engaging in social activism without examining one’s motivation and conduct can perpetuate the very conflicts one seeks to resolve. The Buddhist approach emphasizes that sustainable change emerges from alignment between inner development and outer action. Cultivating gentleness, mindfulness, and non-aggression toward oneself creates the foundation for genuine compassion and skillful engagement with others.

This principle extends beyond activism to all forms of leadership and influence—whether in families, communities, or institutions. When actions arise from unexamined anger, self-righteousness, or desire for control, they often reproduce harmful patterns despite good intentions.

To practice social activism with integrity, we must be in alignment with the change we want to see. Contemplative practices help to uncover our negative habits and blind spots. Having the courage to become more aware of ourselves prepares us to be more fully aligned with our intentions.

Examine attitudes and behaviors to assess alignment between personal conduct and desired social change. Practice self-reflection when feeling frustrated with others’ actions, noticing whether criticism of others reflects unexamined patterns within oneself. Observe moments of hypocrisy or misalignment, using these discoveries as opportunities for growth rather than self-judgment.

• How does inner conflict or aggression influence attempts to create external peace?
• What patterns do you criticize in others that might also exist within yourself?
• How can self-examination enhance the effectiveness of efforts to benefit others?

Evaluate personal conduct and motivations through systematic self-reflection, analyzing alignment between inner development and outer engagement. Implement practices that cultivate genuine peace and non-aggression as foundations for authentic social action, demonstrating how contemplative self-awareness enhances the integrity and effectiveness of efforts to create beneficial change.