Skip to content

When we bear witness, when we become the situation…

“When we bear witness, when we become the situation - homelessness, poverty, illness, violence, death - the right action arises by itself. We don't have to worry about what to do. We don't have to figure out solutions ahead of time. Peacemaking is the functioning of bearing witness. Once we listen…” quote by Bernie Glassman
Download Open image
“When we bear witness, when we become the situation - homelessness, poverty, illness, violence, death - the right action arises by itself. We don't have to worry about what to do. We don't have to figure out solutions ahead of time. Peacemaking is the functioning of bearing witness. Once we listen with our entire body and mind, loving action arises.”

Bernie Glassman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Deep listening and presence naturally generate compassionate action without pre‑planning.

In simple terms: Listening fully creates compassionate action.

Key Takeaway

Practice mindful presence to inspire peace.

Themes

peacemaking presence compassion action

Mood

calm inspired

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • conflict resolution
  • community mediation
  • social work
  • healthcare settings

Key Concepts

mindfulness non‑attachment

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does bearing witness change your response?
  • What practices deepen embodied listening?
A Different Perspective

Immediate action may lack strategic foresight.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Bernie Glassman

Explore all 28 Bernie Glassman quotes

More Action quotes

Browse all 14,940 Action quotes