By: D.S. Shauq M.A., M.O.L.

It is rather surprising to observe how even in this scientific age a verity of superstitions continue to thrive in certain quarters. The growing premium placed on international peace and tolerance today has obviously made the concept of nationalism untenable. In this context it is astounding to find in our midst ardent advocates of communal fanaticism. Existence of such mystifying anomalies in this age of enlightenment indeed baffles one’s imagination. In case cultural integration of India with all its diversity of languages and castes is considered impossible, the ideal of global peace will have to be dismissed as an idle dream. It is patently impossible to realise the prospect of a joint family without the uniting bond of live among its members. Similarly, a powerful nation cannot come into being without the spirit of mutual cohesion among its various communities. On the same reasoning, the goal of universal peace and brotherhood would continue to be a mirage unless all the nations develop the spirit of mutual tolerance and community of feelings.

How would you rate a man who is concerned merely with the security of the particular branch of the tree he is sitting on, and is indifferent to the fate of the tree as a whole? And if he cuts the very branch he sits on, obviously the chances of his survival would be even more remote. Let us pause here and ponder whether this analogy does not apply to all of us. As a matter of fact we are all crazy after solving national and international problems without comprehending and eradicating the rank selfishness raging in our minds as also in the minds of our near and dear ones. Consequently, all our endeavors for establishing world peace boil down merely to futile platitudes, projects and resolutions. The nations of the world are after all composed of individuals. And it is the interrelation and liaison of the individuals that goes to constitute human society. Thus it is patent that ultimately the unit of our society, nation or human community is the individual. And who is that individual? Surely, you and I. Hence no power on earth can possibly fulfil the slogans of world peace and human brotherhood unless relations between you and me that is man and man become smooth and sweet. We must, therefore, clearly realise that it is the strained relations between individuals that eventually erupt into global tension.

A pertinent question crops up here. Who is to blame for vitiating relations between you and me? And what is the remedy for this ailment? No book or person could offer a positive answer. For all this, we shall have to look within and survey our own drawbacks, infirmities and self-delusions. It is significant to note how too readily we vie with each other in advising or accusing others rather than comprehending ourselves. Thus our attention is distracted from the crux of the problem; we squander our precious lives in worthless controversies and speculations and fall a prey to self-delusion.

It is through a continuos and close study of our day-to-day ideas and emotions that we can appreciate that the fulcrum of world problems in reality lies in by our minds and hearts. Let us understand that by a complete evaluation of our inner self and renovating ourselves in the light of such evaluation, we can certainly tackle the toughest of world problems. Such a technique may apparently seem to be rather ineffective and impracticable. But deeper reflection would reveal that far-reaching results could be achieved only by making a start at the nearest point. And the nearest point is our own self.

Our real world is the one in which we live day in and day out. And it is the image of this very world as reflected on our minds through the media of communications like newspapers, radio etc., that agitates us awfully. If we bring to bear on our day-to-day and personal relations’ qualities like equanimity, tolerance, fellow-feeling, selflessness and magnanimous outlook, there is no reason why we should not be able to counter the artificial and destructive influences emanating from the world outside. Only by transcending the spirit of egotism and duality in our own self, we will be in a position to help our fellow-beings in properly dealing with the errant propensities surging in their minds. Such an approach must produce in our midst a galaxy of enlightened souls dedicated to truth, beauty and righteousness. By their dauntless pursuit of such a pattern of life, these illustrious persons could serve as a beacon light for others. To start with, the strength of such dynamic personalities may be extremely limited; their influence on impending wars and formidable dangers too may be insignificant. But the attitudes and rations of such mute heroes must necessarily leave an imperishable impact. It is they who shall lay foundation of a new society and a new culture. Every such single personage shall be more than a match for a host of books. Such savants of staunch convictions and morale cannot possibly be deflected from their path by the stupidity and way-wardness of world politicians, fake leaders and their countless followers. Ever alert themselves, such live-wires shall naturally galvanize others. They must leave an indelible impress of their personality on posterity.

Unless we convince ourselves with our own intelligence, that example is better that percept, we would not only be cheating ourselves by indulging in a sheer jugglery of words, but would also be involving others in futile doings. In the context of global peace and solidarity, it is incumbent upon us to have recourse to constant heart searching, and in this perpetual self-study, we must rid our minds of the slightest traces of regionalism and sectarianism, the moment we discern them. A parochial approach must be depreciated in all walks of life. Profession of different religions does not impair national solidarity. What really hampers fulfillment of this ideal is the spirit of isolationism. Even national solidarity can and should serve as a link in the chain of global peace. The spirit of factionalism and isolationism fostered by rank selfishness should by no means be mistaken for nationalism. Today the entire humanity is actively seized of the formidable problem of world peace or its alternative, world annihilation. This is surely not a mere political problem; nor can a single country or nation be saddled with the responsibility of its solution. It is indeed the practical problem confronting the whole human society. Thus every one of us shall have to assume this responsibility. Depreciating any one for his failing is no answer to the problem. With a view to refining the environment around us, the only effective solution is to devote constant attention towards raising the tone of our own say-to-day life. We shall have to press into service all our faculties of head and heart and lead an exemplary life in order to cultivate breadth of vision among the masses.

To sum up, the modus operandi of establishing world peace lies in every individual adopting the technique of constant self-evaluation and the golden rule of "Live and let live." A suggestion in this context might be helpful that such a consummation may be facilitated beyond measure by the living realisation of Supreme and all-pervading Immensity.