TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE
We often talk of peace in the context of war. But this is a very narrow and restricted notion of peace. Peace is deeply linked with the entirety of human life. Peace is a complete ideology in itself. Peace is the only religion for both—man and the universe. It is the master-key that opens the doors to every success. Peace creates a favourable atmosphere for success in every endeavour. Without peace, no positive action—small or big—is possible.
THE IDEOLOGY OF PEACE
HISTORY abounds in preachers of peace. But it is hard to find in its annals an ideologue who has successfully presented the concept of peace as a complete ideology. Perhaps this is why over the centuries no revolution in the true sense of the word has been brought about on the basis of peace. Although we have had a number of peace-loving individuals, the establishment of a peaceful society on a mass scale has never become a reality. Human interests are deeply associated with peace. That is why every individual, for personal reasons, wants to have a peaceful life.
As every individual desires peace, the following aspects must be considered so that the foundation on which we build the edifice of a peaceful society would not be faulty. What is built on impractical premises cannot procure the results we are looking for.
Ideology of Peace for Guidance Man is repeatedly faced with diverse situations that make it necessary for him to have an ideology of peace to guide him. Peace being the human need is not enough to make him exercise restraint and remain peaceable in all situations. He needs an ideology which convinces him at the conscious level of the necessity to maintain peace at all times.
Peace should not be Equated with Justice People hold the idea that they should be first given justice and then rights, and only then can they live peacefully with others. “Peace with justice” is their watchword. This attitude shows a lack of realism. The truth is that justice does not directly follow from a state of peace. The aim of establishing peace is, in fact, to open up opportunities for the achievement of justice rather than the actual bearing of justice.
Peace has its Price Like everything else, peace also has its price. No group or individual can have peace unless it is willing to pay for it in due measure. In other words, price refers to showing the willingness to suffer losses.
Peace Works on the System of Cause and Effect Everything in this world works on the principle of cause and effect. When this reality takes root in the mind of a human being, he will never hold anyone else responsible for his own afflictions. He will instead analyze his actions objectively to discover his shortcomings and rectify his mistakes in order that he may be saved from unnecessary suffering.
Peace Ensues from the Policy of Avoidance According to the law of nature, truth lives on, while falsehood is destined for obliteration. Given this state of affairs, it is enough for the destruction of falsehood that we observe a policy of silence. Speaking out or holding protest movements to stir up agitation against falsehood is to give life to it, while adopting a policy of avoidance results in its dying a natural death. The adoption of a peaceful course to counter falsehood is as good as extirpating it.
The aim of establishing peace is, in fact, to open up opportunities for the achievement of justice rather than the actual bearing of justice.
Age of Globalization is an Age of Peace
The present age is one of globalization. The entire world has become a
global village. Looked at from this view-point, violence or armed struggle
in the present day has acquired the character of an anachronism. Those
who resort to violence to achieve their goals are unaware of the spirit
of the age. In this age everyone can peacefully work towards their goals
as long as they follow the policy of ‘live and let live’.