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Prevention of cruelties to animals, their uninhibited slaughter in slaughterhouses, absence of animal care clinics are issues that can no longer be ignored. It is violence of the worst order, full of hypocrisy when we at the same time bring up some animals as our pets. The world is not made only for the dominant living species, the humans to survive and prosper. Others have an equal democratic right as they breathe, live and have a soul.
In fact priests need to take an interreligious initiative to prepare a Charter for animal rights, a Charter on Earth and take it to the United Nations for adoption and later to the humanity for implementation.
Mahatma Gandhi set a very worthy example. He was not only a great political leader, but even a greater spiritually inspired social leader of our times, who led India's non-violent struggle for independence to its successful fruition. Whenever, in whatever city or village he went, he always stayed in the colony of the untouchables. He gave them the name of “HARIJANS” (Sons of God). He dressed like the poorest of the poor and lived a life style full of utter simplicity, frugality and high thinking. That is the kind of example our monks and priests need to follow. They must become active volunteers to serve the society.
Priests have done some wonderful work in the field of education and public health. Now it is time for them to consider expanding their activities to cover the comprehensive field of ecology and social welfare.
Jain Monk Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaja who is with us and who has been the founding member and one-time director of the Global Forum has initiated many such projects in India and USA. What is more he has been trying to negotiate with terrorists in Punjab (India) to take to the path of peace and non-violence. These are tasks full of challenges and complexities. But initiatives by holy men can enthuse the entire society and bring about basic attitudinal change for the better.
Spiritual leaders have been servants of God. Let them become servant of the people because through practice their preaching will become more effective and convincing.
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner * (175)
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