Violence from the Soul Perspective

By Dr. Ann Clark, PhD, LBL Hypnotherapist

The theme for this issue is compassion, so why am I writing about research on violence? As it turns out, violence is an experience that offers the soul an opportunity to learn compassion. This may not make much sense at first, but let me explain.

At the 2016 Newton Institute World Conference, the TNI research committee (Karen Joy, Marilyn Hargreaves, Joanne Selinske, and I) conducted several research studies. One of them was the Group Transpersonal Experience. The purpose of the study was to test methodology designed to explore questions about the afterlife in a group setting and we were able to capitalize on the gathering of spiritually advanced individuals at the conference to obtain subjects. We also hoped if the methodology was successful, we could collect some valuable information about the chosen topics.

Forty-one members signed an informed consent volunteering to participate in the study. The study was conducted in a large room with dimmed lighting. Participants were instructed to bring blankets and pillows from their rooms to make themselves comfortable as they rested on the floor. The study was explained, and participants had an opportunity to ask questions. Karen Joy, a TNI research committee member from Australia, served as the practitioner for this experience, delivering a pre-prepared trance induction, embedded questions with instructions, and the trance exit. Subjects filled out a booklet with answers they received while in trance, immediately after the session. A debriefing session was held a half hour following the experience. Data from the booklets was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis methodology. The methodology proved to be successful and we obtained some very interesting data.

One of the selected topics included in this experience was violence. I’ll discuss just one of the questions we asked:

Where violence occurs between two people, are the roles and circumstances between the victim and the perpetrator planned before the incarnation? Please explain what you can about these violent relationships.

The following information was received from subjects in the study:

Most respondents indicated that the roles and circumstances for violence between two people are preplanned for learning for one or both individuals. One individual may agree to participate to help the other grow or balance karma. Growth and learning are produced not just for the two individuals involved but for those connected to them as well. One soul may agree to offer learning to a whole community of souls through violent actions.

However, the preplanned violence may not occur as planned. Both the perpetrator and the victim have the chance to change or mitigate the outcome based on previous life choices. For example, if the victim no longer needs to experience violence, something will shift, and it won’t happen. Or, while the soul agrees to the plan for violence, things may go further than anticipated. Free will can be employed to control or modify the experience at any point.

The violent interaction is karmic in nature, meaning that for balance, the soul seeks understanding as both the victim and the perpetrator. This balancing of experience results in compassion for both roles. The perpetrator role is more difficult to play as it includes the pain of disconnection from goodness and inner guidance. There is no victim from the soul’s perspective, as we are willing participants. Rather, the violence is viewed as an experience sought for growth.

Respondents also reported that some potential damage may occur to the soul in difficult violent encounters. This can last for lifetimes and require rejuvenation and healing after leaving the physical plane. Victims have an easier time recovering than perpetrators.
Despite the risk, many benefits can be achieved through the learning afforded by the experience of violence. One of the potential beneficial outcomes from the experience of violence is the development of compassion for all. Some additional benefits that may be achieved from violent encounters between two individuals are the development of humility, strength, connection, and empathy or understanding. The experience can also offer inspiration to make life changes and the opportunity for forgiveness. ♦

Ann Clark, Director of Research The Newton Institute

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