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'Non-violence as an irrevocable doctrine in its declaration on a global ethic'.
Now is the time to move further and initiate steps on following times : (1) United Nations should give a lead by including in the Preamble of its Charter the objective of spreading globally the culture of Non-violence among all living Species and Nature. Mere prevention of war or peaceful settlement of disputes at the political level will not usher in peace in its fulsome vibrant content. Alongside whereever possible national parliaments should include in the national constitutions a clear reference to the desirability of promoting non-violence.
(2) Such a reference to non-violence would not only be symbolic but also substantive. And to build up the momentum for it, religious and spiritual leaders should lend their full support. This summit should appeal to the U.N. to consider this proposal favourably and initiate required procedural formalities.
(3) World-wide education in the priciples of non-violence and training in the practice of non-violent techniques and strategies is of paramount importance. Under the direction of Rev. Acharya Mahapragya (successor of Acharya Tulsi), Head of the Terapantha Svetambara sect of Jain community, life science courses have been designed by Vishwa Bharti University for different age groups in school and Colleges. It has turned out to be a popular and secular programme all over India for the orientation of teachers. Text books have also been prepared.
UNESCO in collaboration with Institute of Jainolgy, London and in consultation with institutions like Vishwa Bharti University, Ladnun (India) could design similar training programmes in non-violent life ethics. Such programmes where tried have succeeded in inculcating among both teachers and pupils the spirit of dedication, devotion, discipline, tolerance, honesty, responsibility, realisation, broader outlook and vision. These qualities would develop a growing temper for peace and non-violence in the society.
Prior to each General Assembly session, it would be useful to organise summer seminars & workshops on non-violence in New York and Geneva for U.N. delegates. During U.N. General Assembly session also week-end seminars could be arranged for national deligates who include members of parliament as well. This has been tried out with encouraging results at Siddhachalam Jaina Temple centre in New Jerssey (U.S.A.). Such seminars could be organised by all U.N. specialised agencies as well as regional
Arhat Vacana, April 2001
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