The New Nation - Internet Edition

Dr. A.S.M. Badruddoza

Today the world is facing an array of global challenges and threats in the forms of various kinds of violence such as nuclear war, chemical and biological warfare, terrorism, etc. We are having tremendous anxiety, fear, and unrest in the lives of all of us for having experienced many events recently happened in this world. In fact, every responsible person feels to have an intense yearning for peace and harmony in every part of this globe.

The objectives of this paper is to bring together prominent scientists, religious and spiritual leaders, social and peace activists, intellectuals, educationists, scholars and students, and youths from all around the world to have dialogues on science and spirituality for creating a culture of peace and harmony. Einstein, the greatest scientist remarked, "Science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind". He noted, "Everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the universe - a spirit vastly superior to that of man, and one in the face of which we, with our modest powers, must feel humbled."

The spiritual or religious worldview in its purest form develops the moral nature of humanity by understanding the inner dimension of reality. The Bhagavad-gita proclaims as, "Mamaivamso jivaloke jivabhuta sanatanah", meaning : "Life is a transcendental entity and is a part and parcel of the Supreme Lord and is eternal." On the other hand, science has made tremendous progress in various frontiers of knowledge such as, electronics and computer science, transportation and communication, space science and technology, medical science and medical technology and so on.

While there is a progress of scientific culture it is also vital that humanity does not neglect spiritual culture. Spirituality transcends all walls of separation among communities despite differences in cultures, traditions and religions.

It must be very beneficial if the scientists and the religious groups could come together and discuss how to live peacefully by engaging in a very serious dialogue on how to use their respective fields of knowledge for the betterment of the whole human family.

Our sincere hope is that the two most dominant forces-Science and Spirituality-on cooperative approach toward constant dialogue between prominent scientists and spiritualists along with interfaith dialogue may change the world to eternal peace.

Islam does not encourage war. In early days, the first battle fought was battle of "Bader". The 2nd and the 3rd all were defensive battles. The first attempt taken by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to go to 'Makkah' for Pilgrimage was aborted by himself. He made a treaty with the "Quaraish" in Makkah and came back. Next time when he conquered 'Makkah' he excused everyone. He told that if someone did not like to accept Islam he can do it without any fear.

Islam aims to build a peaceful society at all cost. It is because higher human objectives cannot be achieved in the absence of peaceful circumstances. The spiritual as well as moral progress of the individual is possible only in peaceful atmosphere.

To bring about an atmosphere of peace within the society Islam has given a number of commandments. For instance, the Prophet of Islam observed 'A believer is one from whom people feel secure as regards their lives and property (Al-Tirmizi). Another hadith has this to say: By God, he is not a believer from whose nuisance his neighbour is not safe. (Al-Bukhari)

When God created heaven and the earth. He so ordered things that each part might perform its function peacefully without clashing with any other part. For billions of years, therefore, the entire universe has been fulfilling its function in total harmony with His divine plan. Peace is no extemal commodity to be artificially imposed upon man. Peace is inherent in nature itself.

Spirituality and Science is seen by many as two separate things. What we normally call Science is that which we can measure, see and prove. From that perspective, Spirit maybe the last thing to find in any microscope. The science of Spirituality may be not so easily measured from the parameters used in normal science .

The religious impact on global events and policy needs much deeper exploration.

The Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies has produced a study stating that religion has been systematically neglected as a factor in international affairs, as reported in the book, Religion, the Missing Dimension of Statecraft (edited by Douglas Johnston and Cynthia Sampson).

For years, the Princeton Religion Research Centre has reported the close connection between religion and individual and societal health, concluding:

1. (Religious feelings have spurred much of the volunteerism in our nation for good cause). Members of a church or synagogue, as revealed in a Gallup Poll, tend to be much more involved in charitable activity than non-members.

2. Seventy-four percent of adults say religion in their homes has strengthened family relationships, while 82 percent say that religion was important in their homes when they were growing up.

3. Eight in ten Americans report that religious beliefs help them to respect and assist other people.

4. While only 4 percent say their beliefs have little or no effect on their lives, 63 percent state that their beliefs keep them from doing things they know they should not do.

In sum, the religious liberty most Americans cherish and celebrate has enabled religion to flourish in many forms and to become a profound shaper of the American character.

Steps to ensure peace in the world

* Science is to increase international peace, security and co-operation, the social and economic development of mankind, the promotion of human rights and the protection of the environment,

* Affirming, in particular, the need for scientists to establish a free and open dialogue between one another, and with political leaders and the public in general, with regard to scientific developments and their present and potential implications for our civilisation,

* Considering the importance of encouraging scientists to work towards constructive objectives, to improve the climate for arms control and disarmament, and to promote a dialogue on important topics in connection with the positive contributions that scientific knowledge can make to peace, security and ecological balance,

* Fostering a culture of peace through education by promoting education for all, focusing especially on girls; revising curricula to promote the qualitative values, attitudes and behaviour inherent in a culture of peace; training for conflict prevention and resolution, dialogue, consensus building and active non-violence t

* Promoting sustainable economic and social development by targeting the eradication of poverty; focusing on the special needs of children and women; working towards environmental sustainability; fostering national and international co-operation to reduce economic and social inequalities.

* Promoting respect for all human rights by distributing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at all levels and fully implementing international instruments on human rights.

* Ensuring equality between women and men by integrating a gender perspective and promoting equality in economic, social and political decision-making; eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women; supporting and aiding women in crisis situations resulting from war and all other forms of violence .

* Fostering democratic participation by educating responsible citizens; reinforcing actions to promote democratic principles and practices; establishing and strengthening national institutions and processes that promote and sustain democracy .

* Advancing understanding, tolerance and solidarity by promoting a dialogue among civilisations; actions in favour of vulnerable groups, migrants, refugees and displaced persons, indigenous people and traditional groups; respect for difference and cultural diversity . * Supporting participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge by means of such actions as support for independent media in the promotion of a culture of peace; effective use of media and mass communications; measures to address the issue of violence in the media; knowledge and information sharing through new technologies.

* Promoting international peace and security through action such as the promotion of general and complete disarmament; greater involvement of women in prevention and resolution of conflicts and in promoting a culture of peace in post-conflict situations; initiatives in conflict situations; encouraging confidence-building measures and efforts for negotiating peaceful settlements .

Islam is an Arabic Word which means peace, purity, acceptance and commitment. The religion of Islam is the complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God (Allah being His proper name). i.e. surrender to the Will of God.

Hinduism also advocates peace. Wars taught in old ages and there found in religious books are always defensive battles and for true cause.

Ashoka the Great embraced "Buddhism" and turned into an advocate of peace from a blood thirsty monarch.

Christianity advises to offer a second cheek if someone slaps you.