Why do people bully other people? When I’m at school and when I go on the bus in the afternoon, kids will fight in the bus line and push each other. What should I do about it?

—Leif, at age 11,
Arizona

Dear Leif,

Bullies are cowards or brutes. What they have in common is a desire for power over others. They may feel it gets them respect. Others may demand lunch money.

Have you noticed how animals often see bullies in their own groups? There is generally a top dog, a top cat, a boss chicken, cow, bull, deer, wolf, and the like. The leader of a group enjoys more privileges: more freedom, better food, a choice of mates—or all the mates. They respond to a law of the animal world, which is, the strong rule the weak.

Humans, unfortunately, often act like bullying animals. They have not learned the social graces.

So what can you do about a bully in your case? Avoid him or her if possible. Or team up with one or two friends and stick together, challenging a bully who decides to pick on you or them. Also tell a teacher or parent about the bully. Ask them for help.

Above all, ask the Mahanta for assistance.

This should give you plenty of ideas on how to deal with bullies.

(from April 2009 Letter of Light)

There is a bully at school. How can I deal with this, and what can I do if I have this situation again?

—Katie, at age 10,
Colorado

Dear Katie,

Bullies seem to show their teeth early in the schooling years. Then they act like brutes. They enjoy the sense of power it gives them over weaker students.

At the core, most bullies are chicken-hearts.

When faced with the same treatment they dish out, chances are they will back away. ECKANKAR is a path of love but also one of common sense. So you need to get some power on your side. Here are three ways to consider:

• Band together with friends who will stand with you when the bully begins to annoy you. Call out the names of two or three of your friends for help. Of course the rest of your friends should come too.

  All for one, and one for all.

• Tell a teacher when and where the bully is bothering you. Ask for help. Say, “I don’t want to be afraid at school anymore. Will you help me?”


• A third idea is to ask your parents to speak to the principal. They should demand that he/she ensure your safety and peace of mind at school.

(from October 2011 Letter of Light)