Peace and Conflict

What is shanti?

Tranquillity and calmness, inner peace

How can shanti be achieved?

Through meditating, service and self knowledge

What are the 3 ways that Hindus can support peace?

Forgiveness, kshama - aligning themselves with ahimsa
Reconciliation, samatva - approach conflict with balance
Justice, nyaya - promotes fairness and righteousness in all actions

“there is no _____ and for one _____ of peace; where is _____ ?”

“there is no peace and for one destitute of peace; where is happiness?”

What is peace-making?

Actively working towards peace in the world and with others

What is more achievable if Hindus can achieve inner-peace?

Living in peace with other

“United be the _____ of all that all may _____ agree”

“United be the thoughts of all that all may happily agree”

What were 3 of Gandhi’s teachings?

Be non-violent in thoughts and words
Undertake passive resistance
Live simple and do not want wealth

What the definition of conflict?

A serious disagreement that may lead to violence

“United be your _____, harmonious be your _____”

“United be your purpose, harmonious be your feelings”

What Hindu teachings does conflict go against?

Karma, dharma, ahimsa, the atman, bhakti

What is pacificsm?

The belief of people who refuse to take part in war/violence

What is passive resistance?

Protest without action

Why is passive resistance acceptable in Hinduism?

Hindus are taught to stand up against justice

“There are many causes I would _____ for. There is not a _____ cause I would _____ for” _____

“There are many causes I would die for. There is not a single cause I would kill for” Gandhi

What is satyagraha?

The idea of non-violent resistance, a movement in Hinduism translating to “truth-force”

What is just war?

A war which meets internationally accepted criteria for fairness

What are some argument for a just war?

A Kshatriya’s duty (dharma) is to fight, but only when just.
Good karma if it’s for protection.

What are some argument against a just war?

Many follow ahimsa and Gandhi and feel that any violence is wrong.
All life contains the atman.

What are 3 requirements for a just war?

Have a just cause
Have the right intention and stop when achieved
Be a last resort

What does situation ethics believe about a just war?

Believe in the most loving thing to do. This may sometimes be fighting or passive resistance.

What is restorative justice?

Restoring justice and order in the world by righting wrongs or stopping wrong doing

Who would a war be approved by in the past?

The Gods and/or wise religious teachers

“_____ for the sake of _____”

“Fight for the sake of duty”

What are the 4 reasons that Krishna gives Arjuna to justify fighting?

The atman is eternal, killing in war is not to be feared
No need for grief, when the body dies the atman is reborn
The duty of your varna requires you to act as a warrior
Cowardice is dishonourable

What are weapons of mass destruction?

Weapons that can kill large numbers of people and/or cause great damage.

What are nuclear WMDs?

Explosive devices that derive their destructive power from nuclear reactions

What are biological WMDs?

Using pathogens to cause illness or death in biological matter

What are chemical WMDs?

Using toxic chemicals to kill biological matter

Who do Hindus believe shouldn’t be attacked?

Women, children, the elderly, people who have their backs turned

“_____ shouldn’t _____ the tips of their _____.”

“Warriors shouldn’t poison the tips of their arrow.”

What are atheist/humanist views on WMDs?

They threaten all human life and shouldn’t be used

What does the Indian Red Cross do?

Provides help for victims and tries to resolve the outcomes by providing aid and physical help

What are Hindu responses to victims of war?

Ahimsa advocates for compassion/empathy towards victims.
Sewa (selfless service) encourages individuals to help those in need.

What are Hindu responses to violence?

Upholding dharma guides Hindus to denounce violence
Nyaya means that seeking justice for victims algins with fairness

What are Hindu responses to terrorism?

Non-violence discourages retaliation
Upholding dharma involves promoting harmony/unity