We are deeply saddened by the political violence at the former President Trump rally. This violent act is a reminder of the urgent need for peace and nonviolence in our society. At the Ahimsa Peace Institute, we firmly believe that our survival and progress depend on our commitment to Ahimsa—the practice of love in action.
Violence of any kind is unacceptable. It stands in opposition to the values of humanity. This incident is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing trend of escalating violence. We must act decisively to address this issue and prevent further tragedies.
Calling for a Collective Commitment to Ahimsa and Love in Action:
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Champion Ahimsa: Ahimsa, or nonviolence, is the active practice of love in action. We must integrate this principle into every aspect of our lives. By embodying love, compassion, and empathy, we can counteract the pervasive culture of violence and build a more peaceful society.
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Invest in Peacebuilding: Understanding the underlying causes of violence and developing innovative nonviolent solutions is crucial. By investing in peace research and nonviolent conflict resolution methods, we can create a safer and more harmonious society.
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Promote Restorative Practices: We need to move away from punitive approaches to crime and embrace restorative justice. This approach focuses on healing, rehabilitation, and the reintegration of offenders into society. By adopting restorative practices, we can build stronger, more compassionate communities.
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Educate for Peace: Education is a powerful tool for shaping a future rooted in nonviolence. We must teach our children and youth about the principles of Ahimsa, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution. Love in action begins with how we educate the next generation.
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Foster a Culture of Nonviolence: A cultural shift towards nonviolence is essential. We must rethink how we perceive and respond to conflict, from personal interactions to international relations. Cultivating a culture that prioritizes peace, empathy, and mutual respect is fundamental to our mission.
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Shift the Narrative: The media’s constant portrayal of violence desensitizes us to the value of human life. We must elevate stories that highlight acts of kindness, compassion, and the potential for peace. By promoting positive narratives, we can foster a culture that values nonviolence.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized, “It is nonviolence or nonexistence.” Let us unite to build a world where nonviolence and love in action are the foundations of our actions and our societies.
Together, we can ensure a future where peace and harmony prevail.
Ahimsa Peace Institute
July 13, 2024
Ways to Give
Current Programs 2024
AHIMSA GANDHI: The Power of the Powerless by Ramesh Sharma
Season for Nonviolence Jan 30 – April 4, 2024
AVANI Sponsor the Children Fund
Satyagraha Tour of South Africa 2025
United Nations ECOSOC Consultative Status
I found Mahatma Gandhi’s quote that “if we really want peace we must start with the children” in a peace research article by Franz Jedlicka. He has examined the negative impact of child corporal punishment on the peacefulness of nations (“The forgotten Peace Formula”). I can’t help thinking that this is the blind spot of most of the peacebuilding efforts. It should also be considerd (a legal ban of ccp) within development efforts (the “Triple Nexus Approach”).
Best regards, Amini