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

Non-Violence & Economic Development

Ashok Bapna

The world has experience with models of 'Command Economics', 'capitalist Economics', 'Mixed Economies and liberal Economics', but rather then solving the problems of different countries, they have created more problems for them. It is now felt that there is something radically wrong with these models of growth, because the discontent & conflicts are increasing in the whole world in modern times. Resources of the world in terms of land, water, minerals, forests, etc. are limited; they are getting depleted at a terrific rate. There is excessive use of global economic resources by countries like China and some other developed countries of the world. The question arises as to whether the existing developmental models can lead us to goal of sustainable growth in future, or some inputs of ethics, religion & spirituality can be supportive in this pursuit. Here, it has been felt by some leading thinkers that Jain philosophy and thinking can show us the right path towards sustainability. Ethics-based development will be a real sustainable development, and lead us to a safer & more secure world.

Sharing: The Path to Peace

Graham Leslie Peebles, Mr.

This talk and workshop will explore the relationship between sharing and peace. The need to inculcate economic, social structures based on principles of sharing will be shown and investigated. The philosophical basis underlying the need for sharing and the fundamental ideas sharing reflects - unity, brotherhood, oneness will be explored. Pragmatic models for encouraging sharing will be explored and recommendations made. The talk/workshop will be a practical work, based upon clearly understood and articulated perennial truths/ideas.

Need for Collaborative Leadership in the World of Differences.

Hema Pokharna, Prof.

Learning objective:

1. Exploration of the power of dialogue and its contribution to the co-creation of shared meaning and understanding in our world of influence. Will be encouraged to initiate interfaith groups and networks (clubs/ choir, social media, and others)

2. Using the principles of Anekantavada and Nonviolent communication learning ways to transcend differences to creative collaborative connections. She will highlight the importance and opportunities of conflict transformation and its relationship with interfaith dialogue.

Models of Peaceful Co-existence and the Vision of a Healthy Society

Maurizio Fabbri, Mr.

Meiso shiatsu is the fruit of the research, intuition and personal verification of the Japanese Master Yuji Yahiro. He reunites and integrates the global principles of health with one of the most ancient practices of treatment and has made shiatsu a path of self-education for personal evolution. Meiso shiatsu valorizes and develops the natural capacity of self healing of the Life Force, consciously reestablishing a condition of true health, happiness and of peace.

Sustainability by Design

Michael Ben-Eli, Dr.

Reflections on the cosmic function of “design” and the potentially anti-entropic role of humans will be followed by a review of the five core sustainability principles, a new framework developed by the Sustainability Laboratory. This framework includes a rigorous definition of sustainability and it provides an essential road map for the development of model sustainability practices. The principles are expressed in relation to five domains: the Material domain, which constitutes the basis for regulating the flow of materials and energy that underlie existence; the Economic domain, which provides a guiding framework for defining, creating and managing wealth; the domain of Life, which provides the basis for appropriate behavior in the biosphere; the Social domain, which provides the basis for social interactions; and the Spiritual domain, which identifies the necessary attitudinal value orientation and provides the basis for a universal code of ethics, ultimately cohering the whole.

Workshop: Project Wadi Attir: Sustainability Principles at Work in the Negev Desert

Project Wadi Attir is a groundbreaking initiative of the Bedouin community in the Negev, for establishing a model sustainable agricultural operation. The project was initiated by The Sustainability Laboratory, a US-based non-profit, and the Hura Municipal Council, the governing body of a local Bedouin township. Designed to leverage Bedouin traditional values, aspirations, know-how and experience with modern-day science and cutting edge technologies, Project Wadi Attir showcases implementation of holistic sustainability principles developed by The Lab. It demonstrates an approach to sustainable development in an arid environment, valid and replicable locally as well as in other similar regions around the world. The core of the project includes an organic farming enterprise involving animal husbandry and the production of dairy products; cultivation of medicinal plants and the development of a related line of health products; and the reintroduction of nutritious, indigenous vegetables to common use. At its heart, the project will include a visitor, training and education center, with a focus on ecology, sustainability innovation and entrepreneurship. The project site will be supported by an integrated infrastructure of green technologies including a soil enhancement program; solar energy and bio-gas production; the production of compost from organic waste; advanced irrigation management; and waste water treatment and recycling.

Bird Song and the Listening Spirit: The Movement for Cultural Repair

Poverty, environment, eco-sustainability for the future

Samantha Lynne Gupta, Mrs.

In the United States, fragmented movements for ecological and social justice waste time and energy fighting over “scarce resources” - as social justice movements work diligently for the rights of human beings, ecological justice movements give voice to the inherent aliveness of nature and warning to our own self-destruction. Both models, however, can lack the spiritual tools and self-reflection to sustain themselves in the midst of financial, social and political strains and embedded injustice in our society. An inclusive approach to healing our world is possible with wisdom from the Cultural Repair Movement. This movement is a response to the hunger for what sustains us by including earth- and human-connection. This movement re-imagines ‘culture.’ Through story and dialogue, this presentation will examine this movement’s philosophical foundations, current projects, opportunities and exciting challenges for a transnational culture that heals and repairs our world.

Workshop Presentation (with Daniel Aaron Francis)

Title: Youth and Song Birds! Best Practices for Cultural Repair through Real Youth Leadership.