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without recognizing each other's knowledge. The third type is referred as harmonious in which case both persons are respectful of each other's knowledge and are willing to learn from each other. In addition the persons engaged in harmonious dialogue are eager and willing to learn from a third knowledgeable source, in the case when both persons realize that both of them do not know about the subject. In the third type of dialogue as we can see the very basis of harmony, mutual respect and understanding. has resulted in not only peaceful dialogue but also peaceful experience and increased knowledge for both persons involved in the dialogue. It is for this reason that Lord Krishna says in the tenth chapter of divine manifestations, that He (Krishna as peace) exists in such harmonious dialogues.
These three models of dialogues can be applied at all levels. The essential characteristics of such a harmonious dialogue is that each party should truly respect each other and also be humble enough to learn from each other and also from a third knowledgeable and trustworthy source. However such a harmonious dialogue requires initiative from both the parties to achieve peace through dialogue. It is important to realize that violence; conflicts, war, terrorism, etc will not end conflicts and also will not result in peace. the same time, it is only peaceful efforts such as meaningful, insightful and harmonious dialogue not only resolve conflicts but also bring about peace. Peace through dialogue is more relevant in today's world as several countries are capable of nuclear strengths, which means that any conflict can only lead to non-peaceful catastrophic results. We can also see in the historical and cultural literature of any society that whenever and wherever the harmonious dialogues are not carried out, conflicts and destruction has resulted.
At
Concluding Remarks
It is known that all efforts need to begin with individuals and expand to groups and so on. As individuals when we practice to achieve peace through dialogue in our interactions with others, then that peace effort expands. Also if the leaders at various levels such as communities, organizations, states, societies, countries etc understand the nature of various types of dialogues and implement them then peace will result. At an individual level one can practice peaceful dialogue approach as advised by Lord Krishna in chapter 17 (verse 15) in which He says, " Without hurting, insulting others one should speak truth in a pleasing way and also one should study and practice scriptures (such as Vedas)" it is understood that peace through dialogue, refers to peaceful attitude, peaceful behavior, peaceful interactions,
etc.
The Vedic Hindu scriptures again and again emphasize and warn that the human life is unique and special because it is only the human beings who can bring about peace not only among ourselves but also in the world around us. Of course, if we ignore our role in bringing peace and harmony then the alternate way is conflict, war and misery. Let us put our effort and become instruments for everlasting peace at various levels such as individual, family, community, organizations, society, state, country and world through dialogue. Let us pray the Almighty for success in our endeavors. <>
14th
Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
Jain Education International
98
For Private & Personal Use Only
Peace through dialogue is more relevant in today's
world as several countries are capable
of nuclear strengths, which means that any conflict can only lead to non-peaceful catastrophic results.
PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE
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