8th ICPNA ►Plenary Session 06

Posted: 09.01.2014
Updated on: 10.01.2014

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


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

organized  by



in association with


Seeking for a Non-violent World: Sharing New Values

Ignatius Xavier, Mr.

Over the past 5 years we've heard sad and tragic news worldwide. A lot of people were murdered during civil war in Syria. The world still faces constant risk of terrorist attacks. There was also a big man-made nuclear disaster in Japan due to a tsunami. Climate change is also a big threat to civilizations. As Terapanth leaders discussed, human activities are responsible for the climate change. Onisaburo also indicates that there is a close relationship between natural disasters and collective consciousness of human. Illogical as it may sound, but the famous UNESCO constitution says "wars begin in the minds of men", and as such, all human activities based on their minds. Therefore it's no wonder if there is a relationship between human minds and an occurrence of natural disaster.

Wars begin in the minds of men

Mayumi Mezaki, Ms.

Abstract: For a better political and economic system, I would like to share my perspective on sustainable development. Onisaburo Deguchi, our spiritual leader, mentioned that there are two kinds of love in the world. One is called "Aizen" and the other is called "Aiaku". Aizen roughly means benevolence. When your heart is filled with Aizen, your love is directed to your neighbors. On the other hand, Aiaku considered a self-love. It’s an ego-maniacal love that only protects yourself. When your heart is filled with Aiaku, you may lie to your neighbors or even steal things from your neighbors only to satisfy your desire. The point here is not good and evil. Onisaburo emphasizes on striking a balance between Aizen and Aiaku. Aiaku is necessary to an individual survival and not totally evil as long as Aizen controls it. If we change our path towards Aizen, we are one step closer to the non-violence future. And I hope our mutual communication will help it through this conference.

Developing 'Nonviolence Competency' in oneself

N.K. Sharma, Mr.

Confucius conceived moral development as similar to the polishing of a precious stone. We humans are like raw uncut gems, and our potential is carved, polished in the best possible way.
For a human being Non Violence is a competency, which can be learned and improved. A competency is a combination of knowledge, skills, and attitude for superior performance. The non-violent state of mind definitely requires superior efforts. Non-violence is similar to other virtues like wisdom, courage etc. To maintain our existence in the society in most appropriate manner, we develop certain standards, which are rational as well as moral leading to Human Excellence. Most moral values are punishment based rather than directed towards development of the human being. I simply state: Nonviolence is a way of life, flowing naturally from within, willingly and carefully chosen by an individual. It is a responsibility which one undertakes to guide his life based on principles. Can we learn non-violence? Yes, we can...

Share this page on: