________________
the same way as the International Red Cross does when humans are endangered
2. To mobilize global volunteer corps of citizens banded together through Green Cross Chapters who are trained to be environmentally astute, and who are alert and ready to solve local problems and monitor community programs.
It is intended to be a grass-rooted movement-populist and democratic. Let us wish success to the new venture. I would, however, like to propose simultaneous formation of a Global Saints' Brigade that could bring priest, preachers and monks from different religions on a single platform of active service to the cause of constructive service for social welfare.
Let the preachers and the priests, monk and Bhikshus go out to streets and homes where social evils are to be eradicated by inculcating spiritual culture and conviction. God lives in the hearts of the abused and abandoned children and the poorest of the poor. We were all deeply moved when some of them came to this assembly and spoke of their pathetic condition - human pollution of the most degraded type.
Priests must develop a new active social role to help solve problems concerning killing of animals, destruction of forest or abuse of nature. As volunteers of God they would carry more conviction with the people because they have renounced material life and possessions.
It is time that preachers should not merely preach or teach, but take the lead in providing the direction of 'Right Conduct' to the masses of people.
Let them share their alms compulsively with the hungry and the poor everyday. Let them exhort the society to adopt abandoned children and feed the poor. Every religion teaches human beings who are more affluent to become trustees of the Society and not remain its cruel exploiters.
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
*
(174)
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org