Siddhachalam NJ 1993 06 Acharya Sushil Kumarji

Author(s): Siddhachalam NJ
Publisher: USA International Mahavir Jain Mission Siddhachalam

Page 27

GURUJI'S ADDRESS
TO
STUDENTS
Page 20
OF
UNIVERSITY FOR PEACE
COSTA RICA
I am delighted to meet you in the serene surroundings of the Campus of the UN University for Peace. From the moment I stepped into the Campus, I have felt very inspired and encouraged. The pursuit of peace and non-violence requires systematic education and growth of its own culture. You are all very fortunate to be receiving your education in peace. You constitute a small world here. Among you I see students not only from different South American and Central American countries, but also from Africa, Asia and Russia. Understanding between you forged here will also be a vital factor in your struggle against the forces of violence and war.
AT
I am a Jain Monk. Jain religion is a very old religion of the world. Since it remained confined only to India, not much was known about it until recent times. But in its
teachings, it is a universal religion because its basic tenet is non-violence, and it has never compromised on this principle at any time in its history spanning more than 5,000 years. In fact, if only the world had followed Jain teachings of non-violence and harmony with nature, abstinence and non-possession, objective criteria of multiplicity of relationship and reverence for all forms of life, the natural equilibrium of our universe would not have been disturbed and we would not be facing the ecological crisis which stares us in the face today. So, my dear students along with developing a conviction for peace, now you must also become crusaders of non-violence. It is peace through nonviolence which will be long lasting and lead to a harmonious world. Peace cannot be achieved through isolated and fragmented solutions, through treaties and conventions. Peace is not the absence of War. So far efforts have been
Jain Education Intemational
Earth Gathe сая ITIA
taken to ensure that wars do not recur. The UN charter also discusses preventing humanity from the ravages of war which bring misery and devastation. Now, we need a more comprehensive definition of peace. Peace is a dynamic state of cooperative peaceful co-existence between humans themselves and all other living creatures. This kind of vibrant peace will make the world achieve not only scientific advancement, economic excellence, social progress and cultural refinement, but also make the spiritual foundations of our life more stable, secure and firmly rooted.
I would now recite before you the Namokar Mantra, which is a Maha Mantra of Jain religion. Jain religion transcends sect, caste or creed. It is universal. It respects all those from whom you can learn right perception, knowledge and conduct and those who have reached higher levels of perfection and bliss by following the principles of love, compassion and reverence for all forms of life and feeling of togetherness with living creatures and elements of Nature.
Dr. Robert Muller, Chancellor Emeritus of the United Nations University For Peace with Guruji and Ambassador N.P. Jain
His Holiness Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj