Shantina Swarupo

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shantina Swarupo" by Homi Ghala, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shantina Swarupo (Many Faces of Peace) Author: Dr. Homi Ghala Publisher: L.D. Indology, Ahmedabad

Core Theme: The book extensively explores the multifaceted nature of peace and the diverse efforts being made globally to achieve and promote it. It highlights the urgency of peace in a world often characterized by conflict and violence, emphasizing that peace is not merely the absence of war but a proactive state of harmony and understanding.

Key Sections and Content:

• Introduction and Context: The book is presented as a translation of the author's English presentation, "Many Faces of Peace," delivered as part of the Seth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai Memorial Lecture Series. The preface by Jitendra B. Shah underscores the global need for peace amidst fear and terrorism, and praises India's historical contributions to global peace through concepts like "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family). The book's launch by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is also highlighted, signifying its importance.

• Author's Motivation: Dr. Homi Ghala explains that his inspiration stemmed from discussions on "Peace and Violence" within the Foundation for Unity of Religions and Enlightened Citizenship (FUREC), which he was part of. He felt the need to showcase the constructive efforts for peace, especially when violence is so pervasive.

• Part 1: The Faces of Violence: The book briefly outlines the pervasive nature of violence throughout history, particularly highlighting the immense casualties of the 20th century. It categorizes various forms of violence, including state-sponsored violence, violence for liberation, suicide bombings, police brutality, female foeticide, domestic violence, ecological violence, and human rights violations.

• Part 2: The Faces of Peace - Global Efforts and Individuals: This is the substantial core of the book, detailing numerous initiatives and individuals contributing to peace across various domains:

  • Peace Monuments: Examples like Auroville (India) and the China-South Korea Friendship Tower are mentioned as symbols of human unity and peace. The World Peace Stupa in Bihar and the Pyramid of Peace and Harmony in Kazakhstan are also featured.

  • Role of Religious Leaders: The book highlights the positive contributions of various religious figures:

    • Acharya Mahashramana: Emphasizes inner peace through emotional balance.
    • Bishop Desmond Tutu: Used his position to oppose apartheid and received the Nobel Peace Prize.
    • Bishop Denis Sengulane: Played a crucial role in mediating peace in Mozambique.
    • Evangelical Church in East Germany: Contributed to the reunification of Germany.
    • Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger: Negotiated for the release of an Israeli businessman.
    • Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams: Advocated for the persecuted.
    • Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Stressed the need to embrace diversity and respect all cultures and traditions.
    • Swami Agnivesh: Campaigns against social evils like alcoholism and female foeticide.
    • Swami Jitatmananda: Believes in establishing peace through recognizing the divine within.
    • Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh: Met with Muslim clerics to garner support against terrorism.

  • Importance of Education: The text emphasizes the need for a spiritual dimension in education, moving beyond mere intellectual quotient (IQ) to include spiritual quotient (SQ) and emotional quotient (EQ). It highlights the Supreme Court of India's view on the importance of studying religions for national unity and the introduction of peace education in universities.

  • Peace Education and Gandhian Influence: The book notes the growing field of Peace Education and the ongoing influence of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, with universities in the US and worldwide offering courses on his teachings.

  • Justice for Healing: The book argues that justice is essential for healing and reconciliation, citing the delays in legal processes and emphasizing a restorative rather than purely punitive approach to justice.

  • The Touch of Forgiveness: Examples of leaders like Pope John Paul II, former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh seeking forgiveness for past violence are presented. The work of the Ramakrishna Mission in Jammu in offering solace and the initiatives of Kiran Bedi in Tihar Jail are also mentioned.

  • Progressive Islam: Features the teachings of Amr Khaled and M. Fethullah Gülen, who promote tolerance and dialogue within Islam.

  • Neutral Media: Discusses the significant role of media in peacebuilding, noting how biased reporting can escalate conflict, referencing the Danish cartoon controversy.

  • Interfaith Movement: Highlights the strength of interfaith movements and organizations in promoting peace, conflict resolution, and human rights. The importance of dialogue between religions is stressed, with scholars like Hans Küng quoted. Nelson Mandela's recognition of interfaith unity in ending apartheid is also mentioned.

  • Empowering Youth: The book emphasizes the role of parents and educators in fostering peace values in children. It showcases initiatives like "Penpal" programs connecting children across borders and international youth camps focusing on Gandhian principles.

  • Artists for Peace: Celebrates the contributions of artists, musicians, filmmakers, and actors who use their platforms to advocate for peace, social justice, and human rights. Examples include Ravi Shankar, Bono, Harry Belafonte, George Clooney, Richard Gere, Michael Moore, and Indian artists like Mallika Sarabhai.

  • Bollywood for Peace: Discusses how Indian cinema, through films and the actions of celebrities like Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Priyanka Chopra, promotes messages of non-violence and social change.

  • Sports for Peace: Mentions athletes like Evander Holyfield and Michael Jordan participating in peace marches and the role of sports in promoting peace education. Tegla Loroupe's Peace Foundation is highlighted for disarming fighters through sports.

  • Other Avenues for Peace: Explores various other contributors to peace, including:

    • Environmental Activism: The "Chipko Movement" in India and Wangari Maathai's Green Belt Movement in Kenya are presented as examples of protecting nature for peace.
    • Poverty as an Obstacle to Peace: Quotes from Mahatma Gandhi and James Wolfensohn highlight poverty as a fundamental cause of violence and instability, contrasting it with military spending.
    • Messengers of Peace: Profiles Nobel Peace Prize winners like Elie Wiesel, Shirin Ebadi, and Vaclav Havel, along with figures like former Presidents Clinton and Carter, and Amnesty International's former president Irene Khan, all of whom have significantly contributed to global peace and human rights.
    • Peace Projects: Details various projects such as "Aman Ki Asha" (India-Pakistan peace initiative), The Forgiveness Project, Million Mom March, the Charter for Compassion, and Peace Parks.
    • Interfaith Dialogue: Initiatives like the "Peace Train" in Madrid and the promotion of dialogue through Bible reading are highlighted.
    • Community Initiatives: Examples include Mumbai Mohalla Committees and the "Aman Ki Asha" initiative.
    • Science for Peace: A Canadian organization working against violence and environmental harm is mentioned.
    • Mayors for Peace: A global network advocating for nuclear disarmament.

• Recommendations: The book concludes with a set of recommendations for fostering peace, including:

  • Introducing "World Religions" courses in educational institutions.
  • Starting peace education programs.
  • Supporting Gandhian studies globally.
  • Promoting interfaith activities.
  • Implementing stricter laws on arms sales.
  • Reducing defense spending and focusing on the Millennium Development Goals.
  • Engaging with media for peace advocacy.
  • Encouraging parents and teachers to foster tolerance.
  • Seeking just solutions for complex issues like Palestine and Iraq.
  • Promoting dialogue between Western and Islamic countries.
  • Implementing a complete ban on nuclear weapons.
  • Strengthening the UN's role in conflict resolution.

• Conclusion: The book asserts that violence is a complex, multidimensional problem with no easy solutions, but that guiding principles for addressing it can be found in religious traditions. It ends with a call to action, asking readers what concrete steps they will take for peace. The author concludes with inspiring quotes from Zoroastrian scriptures.

In essence, "Shantina Swarupo" is a comprehensive and inspiring compilation of global efforts towards peace, showcasing how individuals, communities, religions, and nations are working to overcome violence and build a more harmonious world. It emphasizes the collective responsibility and the diverse pathways to achieving peace.