Jain Digest 1994 06 Special Issue

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

Page 35

GURUJI'S MESSAGE OF
NON-VIOLENCE:
THE ONLY REMEDY FOR PEACE
I am deeply touched by the gracious presence of all of you at today's function. Blessings to you all. Be not only good individuals, but better world citizens.
The United Nations symbolizes the oneness of the world. The International Mahavir Jain Mission is proud to be a part of the UN system as an affiliated N.G.O. The principles and purposes of the UN Charter are in consonance with the principles of Jain religion. Jain philosophy has a valuable contribution to make at this time in human history when broader perspectives are developing in regard to peace. International thinking is becoming increasingly global. For peace to be universal and durable, firm foundations in the culture and practice of non-violence must exist. Non-violence, which is the basic tenet of Jain philosophy, has not been compromised by Jains in their more than 5,000 years of existence.
I am Jain monk and I have completed 50 years of monkhood. Much of my early years were spent in deep meditation amidst serene forests. The enlightenment which I have received inspired me to remain detached from life, but not to become totally unattached. I decided to expand the traditional confines and rigid patterns of monkhood to accept the challenges of living amongst the people of the world. This I choose to be able to help more directly and purposefully. So here I am before you as a dedicated servant of the people, a messenger of non-violence, a torch bearer of truth, love and compassion.
Prayer inside a temple, church or mosque purifies our soul, but we owe it to ourselves to make our society more humanitarian, compassionate, and truly non-violent.
As humans, we are the most powerful living creatures on the earth: A monk should practice before preaching. A follower should learn and practice the noble tenets which will help him to utilize his life doing noble deeds benefiting others. One's own happiness depends on others happiness. If others are suffering and are in pain, you can not remain aloof from their misery.
Recent years of my life have been fascinating as I have accepted the challenge and utilized the opportunities to do things which might otherwise be considered unconventional or even unimaginable for a Jain monk. But I would consider the mission of my life as fulfilled if my travel to far flung Jain Digest June 1994
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regions of the world, and close contacts with spiritual leaders of different faiths, helps me to globalize the impact of Jain philosophy. This is because Jain religion is not a religion of a small sect or society. It is truly a universal religion with its emphasis on non-violence (Ahimsa), non-possession (Aparigrah), and relativity in thinking (Anekantvad).
The Earth Summit has brought the realization that all of us in the world have to survive or sink together. The challenges of today and tomorrow for a safer, cleaner and healthier environment can be met only through non-violence The World Movement of Non-Violence for Peace and Environment is a collective task. I have taken the first step. Now all of us have to take further steps together.
My friend, Dr. Robert Muller is the former Assistant Secretary of the UN and presently the Chancellor of the UN University for Peace in Costa Rica. I am delighted that he has agreed to be the co-founder of this great and noble movement. In him, we have a person dedicated to the UN and to World Peace, a person both spiritual as well as practical, and a man of vast experience and maturity. When I recently visited him in Costa Rica along with Dr. N.P. Jain, he responded so readily and enthusiastically to the idea of the new International University for Non-Violence in New York, coming up as a sister institution of the UN University for Peace in Costa Rica.
I do hope you and your organizations join us to help the movement acquire early momentum. We would welcome individuals and institutions to become members of the Movement of Non-Violence as a starting point. We would also welcome your valuable advice and suggestions as well as your active support. I thank you once more for being with us today. I have no fascination with celebrating a birthday, but I agreed to the pressing appeal of my followers because I wanted to convert it into the birthday of the Movement of Non-Violence for Peace and Environment in the United States.
Dr. Robert Muller, Dr. Farouk, Maw Lawi and Guruji at the Celebration of Non-Violence, June 25, 1992 at the Church Center for the United Nations.
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