Global Initiative Against Violence and Terrorism
How can violence be avoided in a world where there are all sorts of injustice, political interference where human rights are baffled, racism, discrimination, poverty and where corruption is on the rampage? Violence is a state of mind, so is non-violence. But non-violence is natural while violence is artificial and springs from the artificial mind given by society. In fact, we no longer have the natural pristine mind as it is filled with all sorts of conditionings, morality and bookish knowledge.
If we wish to eradicate violence and terrorism, we should be willing to ensure that each nation is free and economically stable and each individual is self-educated. Unfulfilled desires, greed, lust, too many ambitions lead to frustration, anger and violence. Whatever be the cause, violence is violence and as such it has to be eradicated. The trigger that leads to violence is outside, but violence comes from the mind. We can certainly rebel but it should be for a just cause; this does not mean that we are being violent. But when it comes to domestic violence, terrorism, war, exploitation, rape, suicide, repression, gagging and so on and so forth, then it reflects the sickness of a conditioned and programmed mind.
The amount of violence that exists in our society is a clear sign that we are still using our lower brain, thus we are not yet civilised. This may come as a blow to many, but a spade should be called a spade. Deep within, beyond his conscious mind and emotional layers, man is not violent but calm, loving, creative, free, compassionate and above all in union with the cosmos. Until and unless he attains to that state, which is his very essence and centre of his being, I fear violence will never end.
Children, adults, young and old, men and women should be taught to become more attentive to their emotions, moods, thoughts and desire. They also have to be taught how to be calm and peaceful. We should not feel ashamed to know that we carry many animal impressions and till we do not transform them, we shall always be violent. We are having global consequences against violence and terrorism, however, what we really need is a global mind transformation. One good individual is not enough, it is even insignificant in relation to what we need to achieve in terms of peace and harmony.
Terrorism is not only in the act of blowing up buildings and people by suicide bombers. It is the violence we perpetrate each time we are violent to ourselves and others. When we exploit, kill, threaten, repress, create fear in people, instill the feeling of guilt, deprive them of their rights and so on, we are terrorising them. Unless we are given freedom to lead our lives decently according to our own free will in our country and unless our cultures, religions, policies, political affinities and living style are respected, terrorism will never end.
The world is a big family. Without proper education (that is, self-education), confusion or conflict is bound to establish itself. Violence, war, conflict and all known evils come from the human mind, therefore why not tackle them from there? This is formulated in the UNESCO Constitution with the following statement: "Since wars being in the mind of man, it is in the mind of man that defences of peace must be constructed." How true indeed! This is what has been voiced out since millennia by enlightened beings, but we have overlooked that aspect of education due to our excessive materialistic approach to life.
There is urgency for a thorough and independent study of the mind. This is a sine qua non criterion if we wish to eliminate violence and terrorism. We should learn and teach thinking out of the box because fanaticism and fundamentalism are also causes of terrorism. Our approach to life should be scientific, but not based on dry logic and also dosed to some extent with spiritual wisdom.
Terrorism and violence are widespread. We should therefore launch a global campaign for a global mind change. If we stop with seminars, conferences and debates, nothing will happen. We need to be pragmatic and practical. What is needed is the political will to help and support those who have the determination to contribute in the process of global mind change. I make an appeal to the decision makers of this planet to give a chance to the science of meditation for a global mind transformation. All else have failed; there will be no loss or failure with such a science if it is practiced on a global level. Ultimately, non-violence, peace, freedom, human rights, the right to enjoy and celebrate life are not options, but our most fundamental nature.
