Conference on World Religions 1994 07 NY Queens

Author(s): Council for The Conference on World Religions
Publisher: USA Parliament of the Worlds Religions

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be humane in practice. This means that we have to be humane to all creatures, big and small. Without such humane practice we can never get peace or happiness in life. We see this fact in more ways than one. Our violence to others leads to more violence. Our enemies retaliate. Even if they cannot, they bear ill-will toward us. They spread an atmosphere of distrust around us. Though animals cannot retaliate against us, we do suffer because of the vibrations of their suffering. Recently India decided to export frog legs. It was a decision that pained those of us who have valued the non-violent traditions of India. Why is it those of us who have valued the non-violent traditions of India. Why is it done? To earn foreign exchange perhaps. But what happened? Reports have already come in that because of the decrease in frog population, the number of mosquitoes has increased and malaria has become a scourge again. We strike against nature. Nature strikes back at us.
This is a fact of ecology. This is a moral fact as well. Our violence rebounds on us. When we stuff ourselves with meat or fish or other food that is obtained with cruelty, we pay a price. It is not just cholesterol that our body accumulates, but also the vibrations of having caused pain to fellow creatures. Lord Mahavir had understood a basic truth of life: we cannot feel happy or be at peace unless we feel a sense of amity with all creation. To feel that sense of amity, we have to renounce violence and recognize our kinship with all fellow creatures.
Resolution
Take two minutes to feel that, from this moment, this head, this hand, this heart is a bowl of peace, a bowl of love, a bowl of compassion, a bowl to share with all living beings. Feel unity, the unity of all souls and all the good qualities. As you practice, even your body will become sensitive to vibrations of pain or pleasure, your words the expression of peace, your eyes the light of love, and your brain and heart the essence of goodwill, peace and harmony.
I am sure that our collective efforts and sincere dedication here will bring peace to us and peace to the suffering life-at-large.
In the tall House of Mica on the River of the Rising Sun where all
the nations of Mother Earth meet, I sing to humanity and its future peace and justice, I sing to the miracle of life, I sing to the beauty of the Earth. Oh may God and the people hear
my songs! – Dr. Robert Muller
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