World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 931

RELIGION AND WORLD PEACE
Prof. Dr. Yajneshwar S. Shastri Peace is the desire of the human heart. It is something positive, which includes calmness or tranquility of mind and heart. It is the necessary requirement for the people, society and nations to grow and reach the height of their potential. Without peace of mind and peaceful atmosphere no individual or society can make any progress or positive contribution. Peace is the primary objective of every society and of national and international life. Everybody wants peace and talks about peace, but it would seem that peace has become rare thing or a mirage in our times. Twentieth century has been called bloodiest century in human history. It has seen the two world wars. After the experience of the two devastating world wars and on account of the apprehension of a third even more devastating war, every rational and thoughtful human being started believing that peace is indispensable and necessary for individual as well as social and collective personality and progress and general well-being. But genuine efforts have not been made to bring peace. It has remained in talk of the leaders. World has not learnt any lesson from previous wars and conflicts. Beginning of this century is also not far behind in this matter of violence, conflicts, and wars. At present days violent clashes, communal violence, acts of terrorism, racial conflicts, assassinations, massacre, and clashes between nations, civil wars and guerilla warfare are going on in some part of the Globe. Hardly does a day pass without human blood being shed by some one in the world. In such situation, if humanity has to survive, promotion of peace has to be given top priority. Academicians, intellectuals, religious leaders, statesmen, professionals and every human being ought to be concerned about peace promotion.
Religion is a major dimension of human life. In fact, it is a way of life. Religion is to learn and understand one's duty towards self, family, and the society. It lays down the principles and laws for one to live and let others live a life of dedicated not only to one's freedom but also for establishing holistic society. It is a common knowledge that personal, domestic and social life of majority of people, is largely governed by rules of their religion. Each religion prescribes certain duties to its followers. It works as a guide, furnishing to its followers daily duties in the round of common occupations, works as lamplight along their road shows where to place their steps. It is also reuniting oneself with the Supreme Self.
The religions that humanity has known extol peace and harmony, and explicitly speak about it. But ironically, religions have become major source of frictions, factionalism and violent conflict. Bloodshed and massacre are taking place in the name of religion. Fanatics and
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