“On April 16th, 2007 a mentally disturbed student killed 32 innocent people on Virginia Tech campus before taking his own life. We asked Acharaya Mahapragyaji to make sense of it all and this is what he had to say. The letter below with his message was sent to the President of Virginia Tech [by JVB Houston] ”
World peace is a highly cherished concept but unfortunately it remains an illusion. Yet, it is far too important an ideal to become complacent and give up on it. Rather, let us ponder over it anew and do all that we can to realize it.
What is imperative first and foremost is to take concrete steps in the direction of awakening the consciousness of non-violence (Ahimsa). For, peace is not possible without it. The most powerful medium for this is to introduce "Training-in-Non-Violence" through education. To accomplish this, a methodology for cultivating control over one's emotions needs to be a part of the education system itself. If implemented properly, this can definitely awaken the consciousness of non-violence.
Let us consider the problem of violence from the biological point of view. The neurological and bio-chemical anomalies are chiefly responsible for creating imbalance in emotions, which in turn gives rise to stress leading to violent outbursts. Merely reading lessons in Nonviolence cannot result in emotions control. For attainment of control over our emotions, what is actually needed is the technique or the power that can bring about the basic bio-chemical changes or neurological balance in the functioning of the human brain.
Through "Training-in-Non-Violence" programs that employ such techniques, we can bring about the proper emotional and intellectual development. This can and most likely must be brought about through traditional education, as education may be the only effective and lasting solution to the dreadful problems of unrest and violence.
It is my humble suggestion that serious efforts should be made to introduce "Training-in- Non-Violence" in education. In fact, it could be made a part and parcel of all educational programs in the hope that the events like those that occurred at Virginia Tech University may never be repeated.
April 25, 2007
Acharya Shri Mahapragya
Rawalia (Kliurd)
Distt: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India