8th International Conference on Peace and Nonviolent Action (8th ICPNA)

Theme:

Towards a Nonviolent Future:
Seeking Realistic Models for Peaceful Co-existence and Sustainability

organized  by

ANUVRAT GLOBAL  ORGANIZATION (ANUVIBHA), INDIA

in association with

ANUVIBHA JAIPUR KENDRA, JAIPUR

Magnifying Interfaith Insights and Social Security

Interfaith Insights and Nonviolent Future

Francis Halder, Mr.

Religious separations based on various faiths and its rituals have been creating community dissidence at least in Indo-Pak-Bengal belt. This happens because we are very much within the customs of our own religion rather than its real meaning with real insights. Various religious demarcations in diverse religious-traditions created confusion and frustration. Consequently there exists disagreement among religions and peoples, often resulting in violence within and between communities. But every religion is absolutely meant for human welfare only, though their rituals are not the same or understandable to believers of other faiths. We should take a stand based on deeper insight into whatever individual belief people belong. Therefore interfaith insight is a necessity to avoid confusion related to the variety of religious cultures.

A Suggestion of Inter-Interfaith Organizations for a Nonviolent Future

Jinwol Lee, Ven. Dr.

I am a Buddhist monk and Korean Zen Master but a founding member of United Religions Initiative (URI), of which the purpose is "to end religiously motivated violence and to create a culture of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings." URI is a global interfaith network and has "committed to respect for diversity, nonviolent resolution of conflict and social, political, economic and environmental justice." In fact, there are many interfaith organizations around the world. We need an inter-interfaith organizational cooperation movement for common good in terms of a nonviolent future.

Interfaith Insights for a Nonviolent Future

D.R. Kaarthikeyan, Mr.

There is no just war or terrorism whatever be the cause. What cannot be achieved by peaceful means, can never be achieved by any type of violence - war or terrorism. From now on, we have to be aware that the earth no longer guarantees life for us unless we ourselves guarantee the life of the earth in the first place. Due to proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and thousands of nuclear weapons with enormous destructive potential, we have acquired the capacity to destroy all forms of live on the planet, mainly due to religious fanaticism and fundamentalism. The present day rivalry among religions, has led many people to abandon religion altogether. Genuine inter-religious dialogue occurs in an atmosphere of mutual respect and genuine interest. It is a sharing of spirituality that inspires all parties. There are different religions to suit different aspirants, times and countries.
People from various religions can learn a great deal from each other's practices.
Our scriptures proclaimed "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - The whole world is one family. Paths are many but the goal is the same. As early as the time of the Rig-Veda it was said: 'Reality is one; sages call it by various names.'

The Common Root of Religions

Rudi Jansma

Though mutual respect, insight and understanding of others are very important in our time of global encounter, this lecture will focus on the unity and common root or source of all religion instead of their external differences. It is important that we rise above the differences and learn to understand that all religions were meant to improve human psychology and progress, and thus root in a common source of universal compassion. If the great religious preceptors of all times and culture had the same noble goal before their eyes and wish to lead humankind closer to 'God' or Universal Truth in all respects, they can never have contradicted each other in essence. It is the crust of blindness, materialism dogmatism and the feeling of separateness - each having their own ego to care for in the first place - which has created such a thick layer of confusion and distrust among us. We must break through that crust and relate to the essence within all. In this lecture some thought to ponder will be given, and some examples of common truth in seeming contradictions.