Jain Digest 1994 06 Special Issue

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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NON-VIOLENCE IN THE MODERN WORLD
ADDRESS OF: HIS HOLINESS ACHARYA SUSHIL KUMAR JI MAHARAJ
AT THE PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS IN CHICAGO ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
The Parliament of the World's Religions meeting in Chicago is a unique event of the 20th century. Never before has such a large and representative gathering of religious and spiritual leaders assembled to carry forward the 1893 vision of interfaith cooperation and harmony for promoting the welfare of humanity, survival of the universe and safeguarding the future of Mother Earth.
It is both a challenge as well as an opportunity for us to collectively go to the root of the crisis confronting humanity. It is a crisis arising not so much on account of material progress-which in itself symbolizes the miracle of human achievement. It is the simultaneous disappearance of spiritual content in our lives that has created a void - a vacuuma gap which has brought about so much despair and disillusionment.
Exactly one hundred years ago speaking at the first Parliament of World's Religions, Swami Vivekananda had observed "Sectarianism, bigotry and its horrible descendent fanaticism have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair."
In one hundred years since Vivekananda spoke here in Chicago, the situation has worsened. Violence has become a way of life causing widespread destruction, bloodshed and suffering.
At the root of the disappearance of spiritual fervor is the faith in the power of Non-Violence. We have tried to solve our
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problems of mutual hatred, greed, exploitation and oppression through two world wars and any number of regional and national conflicts. Violence has been used to reply to violence. An entirely negative culture has developed which has adversely affected our values of life, our ethics, and the very integrity of the purpose of human life.
Progress of science in this century has been phenomenal. But human beings have abused science to produce destructive weapons, nuclear bombs, and a vast arsenal of instruments of mass destruction. What a tremendous waste of resources which could have been better used for education, health and removal of poverty. At this historic conference, let us therefore not merely discuss but decide with a spirit of conviction and commitment the following:
1. Non-Violence should be put on the highest pedestal of human values, conduct, thought and behavior. As Jain philosophy says it should be restored to its position of "Supreme Religion"-"Ahimsa Parmo Dharma". Non-Violence has to be all comprehensive, covering all our thoughts, deeds and expressions. That culture alone will help us to fight the poison of hatred, mistrust, suspicion and hostility that has vitiated the very purpose of human existence.
As a first step, let the preamble of the United Nations be revised to include a reference to promote Non-Violence in all sectors of human affairs including inter-state dealings. Secondly, let us establish the World Fellowship of Religions which will play a corrective role to guide Government, society and individual on the path of a judicious mix of spirituality and materialism.
Thirdly let us establish here an International Brigade of religious and spiritual leaders who will take the lead as social reformers and guides instead of confining themselves within the precincts of temples, churches, mosques and other places of worship. They should become social workers at the grass roots level.
2. Non-Violence is not only for relations among human beings. It must be for restoring natural harmony and balance between humans, elements of nature and all other living creatures. Jain religion's motto of "Live and let live" and "Paras Par Upgraha Jivanam" can inspire humanity in this direction. The United Nations Earth Summit held in Brazil last year highlighted the gravity of the environmental crisis which had brought the universe to the brink of disaster. The disturbance and upsetting of
June 1994 Jain Digest