Simple living and higher thinking ought to govern our life in this world. Peace is the aspiration of all generations of humanity, regardless of culture, religion or political persuasion. Peace is the common desire of all. Thus give help, understanding and forgiveness whilst fulfilling all of life’s tasks and duties. Treat others as you wish to be treated and awaken universal love. Tolerance, love and respect are the universal powers that will unite all of humanity. We have only two days, yesterday and today. No body has ever seen tomorrow. With hindsight we must learn from our mistakes of yesterday and with that knowledge, act appropriately today.
We stand at a time in the world’s history when humankind must reaffirm its commitment to a global culture of peace. As peoples of different nations, cultures and religions, we should be more than just a witness to global events. Rather we should be an active, driving force to create a more peaceful, just and sustainable world - a world where global ethics prevail without national, religious or ideological borders.
In the words of the United Nations Charter we must “reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small...to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and unite our strength to maintain international peace…”
Today, it is not only the scourge of war that impacts the lives of millions of innocent beings. There are other tremendous and potentially disastrous crises confronting our community of life on Earth – most significantly environmental degradation and climate change. Therefore we do not have the luxury of time to discuss the fate of the Earth. Right now there is an urgent call for global cooperation to address these and many other issues such as the deepening water crisis, poverty, international security and crimes against humanity.
An effective response to the many global challenges we face today cannot be handled by any one government, organisation or corporation alone. We as a single human race must unite and work together as individuals, communities and nations.
The path to western development has produced many helpful technological and material advances, but it has also separated us as humans from our spiritual essence –our oneness with this living, cosmic Universe. Spirituality is the essence of what it means to be a human, since as humans we are just one particle of that divine, cosmic consciousness. Our inner Self, is God itself and it is our birthright and purpose of human life to claim our divine inheritance. Humankind must reawaken its spiritual values.
Mental pollution is in fact the worst kind of pollution existent today
Spiritual values and wisdom are based upon the principles of love, compassion, tolerance, kindness, humility and purity - purity of thought, word and deed. Mental pollution is in fact the worst kind of pollution existent today. Selfish thoughts and actions deepen the duality between ‘mine’ and ‘yours’ therefore if we want peace in the world, we must first have peace within and recognise the unity we have with one and all.
War, famine and environmental disaster arise due to human behaviour alone. Many natural disasters are in fact not ‘natural’ but are the consequence of man’s actions on Earth. We ought to remember that we are members of a larger community of life on this planet and for that reason, our moral and spiritual responsibility must extend to non-human beings also. Development and progress should not be about increasing monetary wealth for individuals or nations, but be based upon the peaceful, sustainable and ecological provision for all peoples, creatures and the environment.
The Vedic culture of Sanatan Dharma is the oldest spiritual tradition on earth, which like others, teaches the transformative power of forgiveness, harmony, cooperation and unity for peace. It deepens our awareness and awakens our inner understanding of divine governance. To practice Sanatan Dharma means to open our heart to all, without exception – to give help, tolerance, understanding and respect to all nations, cultures and religions.
Simple living and higher thinking ought to govern our life in this world
To accomplish the task we have ahead of us to create world peace, we have only two days, yesterday and today. No body has ever seen tomorrow. With hindsight we must learn from our mistakes of yesterday and with that knowledge, act appropriately today.
Simple living and higher thinking ought to govern our life in this world. Peace is the aspiration of all generations of humanity, regardless of culture, religion or political persuasion. Peace is the common desire of all. Thus give help, understanding and forgiveness whilst fulfilling all of life’s tasks and duties. Treat others as you wish to be treated and awaken universal love. Tolerance, love and respect are the universal powers that will unite all of humanity.
The author of this article His Holiness Swamiji reguarlly visits Australia. You may also view his spiritual lectures and live webcasts on line for free at http://swamiji.tv/
