Peace on Earth: Universal Acceptance For Lasting Peace

By L M Singhvi

On this day in 1893, Swami Vivekananda addressed the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. At the opening address, Charles Bonney, the Chicago lawyer who organised the congress, said: "The very basis of our convocation is the idea that the representatives of each religion sincerely believe it is the truest and best of all." In this context, Vivekananda's'talisman of tolerance"was a vibrant civilisational message to the world from the soul of India.

Vivekananda's words gave the World Parliament a defining focus. He began by saying he was "proud to belong to a religion which had taught the world tolerance and universal acceptance". He explained that "we believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true". He said he was proud that his nation had always sheltered the persecuted - like it had, for instance, fleeing Israelites and Zoroastrians.

He invoked an ancient hymn to illustrate this: "As different streams having their sources in different places mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, different parts which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee."

Vivekananda stormed the citadel of fanaticism and exclusivism by suggesting that the Parliament was in itself a vindication of the Gita, which says: "Whosoever comes to me, through whatever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end culminate in Me."

Expounding the supreme message of universal and affirmative tolerance, Viveka-nanda quoted Krishna: "I am in every religion as a thread through a string of pearls. Wherever thou seest extraordinary holiness and extraordinary power purifying humanity, know thou that I am there." This was Vivekananda'smantra for a dialogue between diverse religions based on mutual respect.

Vivekananda hoped "that the bell that tolled in honour of this convention may be the death knell of fanaticism, persecution with sword or pen, and of uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal". Tragically, bigotry and fanaticism continue to threaten even 109 years later. Many religions still proclaim that theirs is the only path to salvation.

The centennial Parliament of World Religions in 1993 transcreated the legacy of Vivekananda through a declaration titled Towards a Global Ethic. Between 1893 and 1993, the world has witnessed two great wars, the tragic Holocaust, rise of racism, religious fanaticism and terrorism. We need to remember Gandhi who said that the various religions are like leaves of a tree which might seem different, but are, in fact, one.

The 1993 Parliament emphasised the moral and spiritual roots of human civilisation. It took a leaf from Vivekananda'steachings in articulating concern for the human condition. The Declaration condemned "the social disarray of nations; anarchy overtaking our communities and aggression and hatred in the name of religion". It affirmed that there already existed a basis for a global ethic to lead humanity to a better tomorrow.

Echoing ancient Sramana literature, it said: "We commit ourselves to a culture of non-violence, respect, justice and peace. We shall not oppress, injure, torture, or kill other human beings, forsaking violence as a means of settling differences." Tolerance is the golden thread which runs through the Universal Declaration.

It is the safest foundation for a decent, civil society. Indeed, the fundamental duty of tolerance is woven into every form and fabric of secularism, freedom and democracy and the rule of law. We need the fundamentalism of tolerance and togetherness for the success of a decent civil society everywhere in the world. Here and now is the place and time for the talisman of tolerance to build a happier and harmonious future for humanity.

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See also: Peace of Mind, Peace on Earth, Life and Beyond, Love and Happiness, Body Mind and Soul)