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PERSONAL COMMITMENT AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY |  |
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his statement specifically addresses moral values and human responsibility in relation
to environment and development.
From April 1988 to January 1990 the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
coordinated the international Peace Messenger Initiative, Global Co-operation
for a Better World. Taking place in over 120 countries, this was one of the
largest research projects undertaken by the Brahma Kumaris. People of all backgrounds
and at all levels of society were invited to submit their vision of a Better World.
The hundreds of thousands of visions collected from individuals and groups around
the world have been synthesized into The Global Vision Statement which covers a
wide variety of issues. However, all visions reflect a common call for basic
human values. Respect was a particular focus for attention and was identified
as a key factor in relationships amongst human as well as between humans and
all other forms of life within our ecosystem.
In January last year, 52 eminent scientists from 22 countries attended an
International Symposium organized by the project and entitled, "Science,
Technology and the Environment - A Case for Global Co-operation". Many were of
the opinion that a new paradigm of science was needed, one which acknowledges a
pluralistic approach to truth. Such an approach would incorporate world views
and value systems that are in harmony with nature rather than domineering over it.
The symposium reflected the growing concern within the scientific community that
a reassessment be made of what values should be considerd as relevant within the
context of science and its various applications. A full report of the Symposium
is available upon request.
The exploitation and consequent destruction of our world, which characterizes the
immediate past and the present state of affairs, indicates a distinct lack of respect
for nature. The research of our University indicates that in order to reverse
this condition, and develop a deeper understanding of and respect for others and
for nature in general, we must collectively enhance self-esteem and self-value.
As the individual nurtures a sense of self-worth, respect for others and nature
develops as well. A relationship of respect ensures that there is care, protection
and an attitude of trusteeship rather than any activity which causes disturbance or
distress.
In modern times an ever growing trend of violence has been expressed collectively
and individually. Violence within the society or in a family is readily
acknowledged but the violence unleashed against nature is as yet to be properly
recognized. The pattern of natural order within matter has turned into a state
of disorder through human interference, resulting in chaotic climatic conditions
and a lengthening list of natural disasters. When humanity regains its originally
peaceful state of mind then peace, harmony and order will return to nature. Having
accepted the responsibility for abusing nature, we must now accept the
responsibility for allowing nature to return to its original state. A great deal
of evidence is now available to support the concept that the human mind influences
the very particles of matter both within the body and outside it. In other worlds,
the state of our mind influences the physical structure of the world at large.
From this we can conclude that our thoughts of peace will ultimately ensure that
peace returns to nature.
The lifestyle of the members of the Brahma Kumaris is committed to a life of
simplicity in which all basic needs are met but kept to a minimum. This allows
the earth’s resources to be more equitably shared amongst all the inhabitants of
the planet. For example, statistics indicate that it takes four times as much
land to support a non-vegetarian diet as it takes to support a vegetarian diet.
The University encourages a vegetarian diet which further contributes towards the
well being of the planet.
As we look towards Brazil 1992, the question arises, "What can be done in
preparation for the Earth Summit?" The success and quality of the event will
hinge upon the positive attitude of non-governmental organizations as well
as governments and policy makers. We share only one Earth, which is our home
and our planet. We share the responsibility for its present condition. It
will be with the determined spirit of co-operation rather than complaints and
accusations that positive steps can be taken to fulfill this shared responsibility.
We need to strike a balance between personal commitment and shared responsibility.
We therefore call upon every individual to make a commitment with integrity, to
decide what personal sacrifices he or she can make for the betterment of the world
as a whole.
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©2004 BKWSU |
