Acharya Tulsi
An event took place recently which deserves a mention in the history of the world. That incident has boosted up the moral of the individuals and organisations having faith in non-violence. This incident concerns an agreement with a view to minimise the danger of the probable war through nuclear weapons. The understanding between Russia and America was described as the 'Star Pact, The Second Phase.'
The, 'Star Pact: the First Phase' is' not very old. But in the short span between the first and the second phase, there were political upheavals that challenged one of the two super powers of the world. At the time of the first phase of Star Pact, the Soviet Union had been recognised as one of the super powers. At the time of the second phase of the pact the power of the Soviet had disintegrated. The countries whose confederation had constituted the Soviet Union fell victim to the ambition of establishing their own identities. Gorbachov's policy of glasnost and perestroika resulted in a revolutionary wave, but it soon disappeared, marginalising Gorbachov himself.
In the 'Star Pact: Second Phase' America and the countries of the former Soviet Union have agreed to reduce their nuclear weapons by two thirds. It is believed that this promise would be carried out during the next decade. From that point of view, the period between 1993 and 2003 can be considered very significant. Even after this, the nuclear warheads still remaining with these countries are capable of destroying the world ten times over. This situation is not less dangerous even now. The only consolation is that by curbing the desire to build up nuclear arms the persons concerned have been compelled to take a fresh view of the situation.
The reduction of nuclear weapons was greeted by almost all countries of the world. From this it can be concluded that man has no faith in violence, the manufacture of nuclear weapons and their deployment. Having more nuclear stockpiles means giving rise to mutual suspicions, 'A certain country is manufacturing nuclear arms, and may become powerful and wipe us out of existence.' Provoked by such a fear, another country also becomes active and manufactures nuclear arms. Thus, active interest of one country gives rise to fear in its rival country. 'This suspicion gives rise to more and more suspicions.
Hostility cannot be ended with hostility. Suspicion cannot be removed with suspicion. Hostility can be ended only by extending the hand of friendship. The mist of suspicion can be dispelled only by letting the light of trust flood in. Only on the basis of this sentiment, it is possible to control the manufacture and deployment of arms. If there is only curtailment of expenditure on manufacture of arms and military establishments in the world, then the world can heave a sigh of relief. President George Bush, while taking farewell on the completion of his term took the credit, which is worthy to be followed by all other heads of States.
There is one rule in the anuvrat code of conduct—"I shall not carry out aggression and shall not support any aggressive policy." This clause plays an important part in changing the mentality of manufacturing arms. If only the man of this age would understands thoroughly the philosophy of anuvrat and can firmly resolve to live accordingly, the whole world can get comfort from non-violence as though sleeping on the mother's lap.
