Stages That Lead to Peace

The world today is constantly at war. Every part of it is in desperate need for tranquility and peace. But sad to say, both seem to be extremely elusive. Looking at the bottom of all the conflicts raging around the globe today, from Sri Lanka to Bosnia, Afghanistan to Kashmir, Iraq to Gaza as well as in all other places where fighting continue unabated, one can never fail to see how history is repeated over and over again. Religion, political ideologies and plain greed show themselves up as the main causes of such hideous conflicts. Rule of the mighty is prevalent and manifesting more of the brutish nature of man rather than his sublime identity as the only animal capable of rationality and intellection. It is rather sad to note that in spite of being considered in the peak of humanity’s development and as we all now witness beginning of the 21st century, fact remains the same – man’s intelligence has not made him any better in terms of value for life than the pre-historic humanoids. “Lex Talionis” or Law of the Claw remains the unofficial principle of most of the states, wherein the weak gets trodden by the strong. In another view, the so called development even put man into a much lower level in terms of environmental protection initiatives and self preservation. When was the time in which, the world is constantly threatened of total annihilation due to nuclear and weapons of mass destruction except at present when man boasts of having attained the highest level of scientific development? Man’s intelligence has brought him up to remarkable heights, even to the moon, but at the same time dragged him down to the lowest levels of depravity.

Because of this, the call for peace, or its necessity for the sake of this world’s continuous existence, is overwhelming at this point. A call that needs immediate response before everything is to late – a call that echoes a demand to everyone, both individual and collective action. Besides, there is still hope, albeit the only hope remaining for humanity. This hope rests in 4 very important stages that can pave the way for an authentic peace, without which this goal can never be achieved.

First is Openness. Clouded mentality and suspicion breed contempt and distrust. What tends to be growing today is an extreme kind of xenophobia. Other’s views or beliefs especially those of persons coming from different cultures are held with aversion if not hatred. An atmosphere of hostility is fanned that creates enmity among peoples of different religious and ethnic traditions. Peaceful co-existence is thwarted in every possible area where it could probably thrive. The need for open-mindedness is primordial in order to foster dialogue among individuals and for genuine interaction to take place.

Second is Dialogue. When openness is established, exchange of ideas becomes necessarily possible. Sharing of knowledge is given way that builds up the foundation of mutual understanding. Prejudices are removed and yawning gaps of individual misconceptions are bridged thus, allowing friendship to grow among different orientations. With it, the knowledge about one another’s traditions is enriched that leads to a strong and vibrant partnership.

Third is Understanding. It is the state in which differences in beliefs and orientations are transcended. Disagreements are put aside, where unity and friendship are securely established. Everyone regards one another in high esteem as a manifestation of genuine brotherhood. Acceptance of others unique individuality, orientation or religious and political predisposition are personally internalized.

This leads to the fourth and final stage – Respect. When the 3 stages previously stated are all in place, this stage naturally follows. A situation characterized by having diversity without being a source of conflict. On the contrary, such differences are considered as a colorful attribute of unity among people – complementing and enriching the uniqueness of one another.

When all these are established in time and space, lasting Peace will become inevitable.