Absolute Power or Enlightenment?

In my recently published novel "The Waker: Portal of Perfect Light" a character who is forced to build weapons for an ambitious emperor makes this observation about the five factors that define absolute power:

“I have heard this directly from the mouth of the Emperor. Confiscating the precious metals and gems in all of the kingdoms will give him economic domination, one of his five major resources for absolute power—wealth, territory, military, beliefs, and laws.”

The Emperor's grandmother taught him: "...leadership requires more than physical power. Those in charge must possess skills in the arts of manipulation and persuasion. The power to control and influence the minds of others is the greatest of all strengths.”

In contrast, an alternative perspective emerges when The Waker addresses a group of villagers...

“I have come to tell you tonight that you have the opportunity to write your own future in the cosmic record. What I am saying is that in this present moment you have the power and opportunity to choose your path. Every moment is a crossroad. Are you clear on that?”

Some might say that higher values are too weak to battle dominating forces seeking absolute power. Whether we face business, political or social agendas, fear of proclaiming freedom of thought creates its own rationalizations — we are better off to "play ball" than to put ourselves in harm's way. Even when our conscience haunts us with the natural human desire for goodness, fairness and truth, our sense of powerlessness may dismiss it.

What our thoughts of "fitting in" may fail to consider is that history clearly shows a different outcome. Every imperious power sooner or later collapses. Absolute power is a delusional pursuit. Always is, has been and will be. Why?

The powers of awareness, compassion, and goodness are like water, air and sunlight. No rock, no mountain, no force of nature can withstand their slow and consistent power to change course! Human consciousness works in the same way. It is an evolutionary force! No matter what those who aspire to wield absolute power attempt to do to people, the best of our being will prevail as we reshape what is to become of us.

Keep this thought in mind and you will see the bigger picture always:

We all possess the liberating inner-knowing of discernment. We just have to trust its tremendous transforming power!

? Quotes from The Waker: Portal of Perfect Light by Harvey Kraft
Available in all e-book formats @Amazon, iBooks, B&N, Google, Kobo

Image Credit: Paolo Uberti