On the voice of "NON Violence"

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on “The Voice of Non-Violence”

The Voice of Non-Violence

His Holiness His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ravi Shankar is a renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian whose mission of uniting the world into a violence-free global family has inspired millions of people around the world. An icon of non-violence and universal human values, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar seeks global peace through service and dialogue.

Born in 1956 in southern India, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s appeal cuts across all barriers of class, race, religion and nationality. Millions of Hindus revere His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as their religious and spiritual leader, while people of other faiths look up to him for inner peace and promoting ecumenical values. After Mahatma Gandhi, it is His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who has succeeded in uniting people of different traditions into a spiritual communion throughout the length and breadth of India.

In 1981, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar started the Art of Living Foundation, an international nonprofit educational and humanitarian organization with a presence in over 140 countries. Its educational and self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. In Europe and the United States, the Foundation’s programs are helping youth in inner cities turn away from gang violence, drugs and alcohol, toward service. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Prison Programs have helped transform the lives of more than 150,000 inmates around the world. 
 


In 1997, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the International Association for Human Values, a humanitarian organization that advances human values in political, economic, industrial, and social spheres. In India, South Africa, and Latin America, the Association is working in poor rural communities to promote sustainable growth, and has reached more than 30,000 villages.

Through personal interactions, teachings and humanitarian initiatives, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has reached out to an estimated 300 million people worldwide. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has revived ancient techniques that were traditionally kept exclusive, and made them available to the world. He has designed many self-development programs that help people to calm their minds and heighten enthusiasm.

A leading figure in human development and social transformation, he is a multifaceted social activist whose initiatives include conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, prisoner rehabilitation programs, youth leadership, women’s empowerment, campaigns against female foeticide and child labor, and education for all. In Kashmir and Sri Lanka, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is working to further dialogue between opposing parties to resolve the conflicts peacefully. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar travels to more than 40 countries a year to share his message that all the great spiritual traditions share common goals and values. He inspires leaders to balance business with ethics and social responsibility. His teachings of love, practical wisdom, and service promote harmony among people, and encourage individuals to follow their chosen spiritual path, while honoring the path of others.

1.2 His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Universal Declaration of Human Values

This document, developed by His Holiness His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ravi Shankar, represents his vision for a fresh approach to fostering understanding and harmonious coexistence among different peoples and cultures, and fulfilling the purposes for which the United Nations was formed. It is in the form of a proposed resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations. It is hoped that, in due course, member States will formally bring this document forward to the United Nations, in accordance with normal General Assembly processes and channels, for discussion, adoption, and subsequent implementation. It is His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s intention that this proposed Declaration serve as a tool to begin a global discussion of the crucial issues it raises.

The United Nations General Assembly,

Recognizing the paramount importance of harmonious coexistence among different peoples; Acknowledging the urgent need to bring about understanding among different cultures and civilizations and to foster harmony in diversity throughout the world; Deeply concerned by increasing conflict and violence around the globe; Determined to address the root causes of this increasing conflict and violence; Recognizing that much of the conflict and violence today is attributable to religious and ethnic divisions and misunderstanding; Recalling that the United Nations was formed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and the dignity and worth of the human person, as set out in the Preamble of the United Nations Charter; Reaffirming our commitment to the purposes of the United Nations that include maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and achieving international cooperation in encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, as set out in Article 1 of the United Nations Charter; Emphasizing our commitment to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which constitutes a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations, as well as our commitment to the subsequent existing international human rights instruments;

Recognizing that grave human rights violations continue around the world, despite more than half a century of efforts to achieve human rights and fundamental freedoms for all;

Reaffirming our commitment to the United Nations Millennium Declaration, adopted on September 8, 2000;

Recalling that the United Nations Millennium Declaration sets out a number of basic societal values considered essential to international relations in the 21st century, as well as specific objectives to be achieved consistent with these values in key areas which include peace, security and disarmament; development and poverty eradication; protecting our common environment; human rights and good governance; protecting the vulnerable; and meeting the special needs of Africa;

Determined to achieve the goals and objectives of the Millennium Declaration, including universal human rights, despite serious challenges that the world now faces in doing so;

Recognizing that we must broaden our vision and readjust our strategies in order to foster mutual respect and understanding among different cultures and civilizations, enabling the achievement of the commitments made in the past;

Acknowledging the urgent need to address the spiritual aspect of human existence in order to achieve harmonious coexistence among diverse peoples, realize universal human rights, and fulfill the purposes for which the United Nations was formed;

Appealing to that same universal Divine consciousness and power that is at the core of all the world’s religions for assistance and support in this crucial endeavor,

Solemnly proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Values.

ARTICLE 1

Global Commitment and Call to Action

1.1 We, heads of State and Government, gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, collectively acknowledge the urgent need today to rekindle universal human values throughout all sectors of society around the world.

1.2 A global resurgence of human values is vital in order to foster harmonious coexistence among different peoples and cultures and to achieve peace and security on the planet, universal human rights, the eradication of poverty, and the protection of the environment.

1.3 We hereby formally declare our solemn commitment to nurture and strengthen universal human values around the world through every possible means. We will work with all organs of society in every sector to ensure that human values are acknowledged, honored, encouraged and rewarded.

1.4 Broad-based education in universal human values, consistent with the principles set out in this Declaration, is essential in this crucial endeavor. Multi-cultural, multi-religious education is urgently needed to bring people together and foster harmony in diversity.

1.5 We hereby formally commit to working with partners in all sectors of society to ensure such education is available to all, and most especially to all children and youth.

1.6 We call upon all levels of government and all organs of society, including religious institutions, to join us in our sacred and urgent endeavor to reawaken human values across the globe by acknowledging, encouraging, and rewarding universal human values, and by fostering awareness of the principles set out in this Declaration.

1.7 We call upon all individuals of all ages everywhere to put into practice the principles in this Declaration by honoring human values in their own lives and by nurturing human values in their families, at home, at school, in their place of work, and at their place of worship.

1.8 We hereby commit to taking all appropriate measures to ensure that copies of this Declaration, and information about the principles it espouses, are widely disseminated and available to all.

ARTICLE 2

Human Values

2.1 Human values are those attributes and qualities which are the very heart of humanity, representing the highest expression of the human spirit.

2.2 Human values are innate in all people. They are part of our deepest nature and include:

2.2.1 A deep caring for all life
A profound awareness of the sacredness of all life is the basis for all other human values. This awareness goes beyond respect and even reverence to a deeply felt caring for all life that should be nurtured among all people as the highest of values. In its fullest form, this caring for life manifests as unconditional love. Ultimately, love is the very sub-stratum of existence; at the deepest level, love is what we are.

2.2.2 Non-violence
Non-violence arises spontaneously in one who has a deep awareness of the sacredness of all life, including one’s adversaries. True non-violence encompasses non-violence in words and thoughts as well as actions, because words arise from thoughts, and actions arise from both thoughts and words. We need to be ever mindful that, as fire cannot extinguish fire, violence cannot extinguish violence.

2.2.3 Compassion
Compassion arises naturally where, at some level, one feels the suffering of another as one’s own. Compassion is rooted in the awareness that we are all part of one universal spirit. It flourishes where one sees the other as oneself, without blame, pity, or judgment. In its fullest form, compassion is characterized by the desire to eliminate suffering and misery for all life.

2.2.4 Friendliness and cooperation
Human relations should be characterized by friendliness and cooperation, not by competition or jealousy. Friendliness and cooperation are the natural and spontaneous tendencies of all people when they are among those they love, including family and friends. These qualities naturally grow to extend to all people where there is a deep caring for all life and the awareness that we are all part of one world family.

2.2.5 Generosity and sharing
Generosity and sharing are natural responses toward those we care for, starting with the members of our own family. These qualities grow and expand along with the awareness that true prosperity is the result of giving, not of hoarding, and that our family is truly the whole of humankind.

2.2.6 A feeling of belonging and oneness with all life
Within our own families, we naturally experience a sense of comfort, security and ease - a feeling of belonging. A deep understanding that we are all members of one world family leads to the same feeling of belonging with all people everywhere. A recognition that we are all part of one universal spirit leads to a feeling of oneness with all life.

2.2.7 An eco-friendly attitude and caring for the planet
An eco-friendly attitude arises spontaneously with the understanding that the earth is our own mother, and the mother of all life on the planet. The Millennium Declaration identified respect for nature as one of the fundamental societal values essential to international relations. The corresponding human value goes beyond mere respect to reverence and a profound caring for the planet, in the same way that we revere and love our own mother.

2.2.8 Service to society
Helping those in need is a natural tendency in human beings, giving great personal satisfaction to those who engage in altruistic activities. This innate altruistic tendency increases with the awareness that we are all truly part of one world family and are here to contribute something of value to society, not to get something for ourselves, for we will take nothing with us when we depart from this planet.

2.2.9 A sense of commitment and responsibility
We naturally feel a sense of commitment and responsibility for what we perceive as our own: our body, our children, our family, our possessions. When we recognize our oneness with all of life and consequently have a vastly expanded sense of what is our own, we broaden our sense of commitment and responsibility accordingly to encompass all society, all life.

2.2.10 Peace and contentment
Peace and contentment are the hallmarks of the human spirit. They are our very nature, to be nurtured and encouraged. Peace within the individual ultimately manifests as peace in the family, in the community, and in the world. Contentment grows naturally with the awareness of all the gifts that nature has bestowed on us, whatever our condition or situation.

2.2.11 Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is life itself. The boundless enthusiasm that is natural to all children should not be lost as we mature and age; joy and enthusiasm should be supported and nurtured as life itself. Dampening enthusiasm is an act of violence that amounts to smothering life.

2.2.12 Integrity, honesty and sincerity
There is no spiritual tradition that does not strongly advocate integrity, honesty and sincerity. These qualities are universally prized as virtues that form the foundation of social order and justice. They are innate within all people, to be nurtured and encouraged.

2.3 Human values do not depend on, and are not derived from, any external authority. Human values cannot be imposed by society, nor can they be legislated. They are not the subject matter of rules. As the infinite potentiality within all people, human values are already present in every human heart, whether flourishing or latent, whether manifest or unexpressed. Human values need only be uncovered, rekindled, encouraged and nurtured in order to thrive and grow.

2.4 Just as water flows downhill and fire rises, so the natural tendency of the human spirit is to evolve toward these universal human values. Although these values are innate in every human being, they have been overshadowed by the stresses and strains of our lives and by society’s failure to encourage and nurture them.

2.5 Very little attention has been paid to human values over the past half-century, despite the focus on human rights. Yet, if a tree is to bear fruit, one must water the root. Otherwise, all efforts to make the fruit grow will be futile. Human rights are like the fruits of the tree of human society whose roots are human values. We have collectively neglected to water the root of this tree, though we have waited eagerly for the fruit to appear and ripen. There is now an urgent need to focus our attention on human values.

2.6 Wherever human values flourish, there also will human rights flourish without effort, irrespective of any human rights codes that may or may not exist. There also will peace and security prevail and violence subside. There also will different cultures and civilizations coexist in harmony. There also will people spontaneously help to uplift their neighbors and ultimately to eradicate poverty. There also will the environment be honored and protected, with great care and respect.

ARTICLE 3

Creating New Heroes of Humanity

3.1 Although the qualities of non-violence, friendliness and cooperation represent the highest expression of the human spirit, it is often the baser qualities of violence, aggression and domination that are respected, rewarded, and glorified in today’s society. These baser qualities, common to the animal kingdom, are often erroneously associated with bravery, strength and heroism, and consequently held in high regard by many.

3.2 Youth in particular often seek approval and recognition from their peers by engaging in violent and aggressive behavior. A great sense of pride comes from being perceived by one’s peers as exceptionally violent, aggressive or even cruel. Unfortunately, no similar pride or status is attached to the qualities of non-violence, friendliness and cooperation. In fact, these human values may even be viewed as signs of weakness rather than the great strength they truly represent.

3.3 This situation needs to be reversed. Non-violence, friendliness and cooperation must come to be recognized as the new norm, as hallmarks of today’s true hero. Moreover, a sense of pride must be kindled in connection with these qualities, instead of with violence and aggression.

3.4 We must foster the creation of new role models and heroes in order to reawaken human values in youth. Today’s heroes for humanity must exemplify those values that represent the highest expression of the human spirit. They must serve as models of non-violence, friendliness, and service to society. Today’s heroes must be ready to face any challenge for the sake of helping the world and its people, with an unshakeable confidence in their ability to achieve whatever they may undertake. The true heroes of humanity shine, not as a result of triumphing over a villain, but because of their very character and virtue.

ARTICLE 4

Human Values and Conflict Resolution

4.1 One in whom human values have fully blossomed shines as an example to all of the potential for spiritual perfection that exists in every human being. Only such a person, regarded as a friend to all, will be successful in promoting dialogue in areas of conflict around the world. Only such a person, whose very presence soothes, calms and comforts, can truly be effective as a peacemaker.

4.2 In creating arbitrators and negotiators to work toward achieving peace in areas of conflict, primary consideration must be given to choosing individuals in whom human values are exceptionally strong, and whose lives exemplify those qualities that represent the essence of what it is to be human.

ARTICLE 5

Spirituality, Human Values, and Identity

5.1 There is an urgent need to reverse the growing lack of spirituality in the world today which is contributing to the increase in all kinds of violence throughout society, including armed conflict, criminal activity, domestic violence, and suicide.

5.2 The term spirituality, as it is used in this Declaration, means living and honoring human values. It means a deep caring for all life and a profound awareness of its sacredness.

5.3 Spirituality means rising above limited concepts of one’s own identity to be able to see one’s basic identity first and foremost as part of one universal spirit, one consciousness, one light, one God; secondly, as a human being; thirdly, as a man or a woman; and, finally, as a member of a particular religion and citizen of a particular nation.

5.4 Today, however, this hierarchy of identity is reversed, as most people identify themselves with their religion first, failing to recognize that we all belong to one world family.

5.5 Only the clear and unshakable awareness that we are all part of one universal spirit, and that our family is truly all of humankind, will provide a solid foundation for peace and security in the world.

ARTICLE 6

Human Values and the Millennium Declaration

6.1 A resurgence of universal human values throughout the world is urgently needed in order to achieve the objectives of the Millennium Declaration.

6.2 The Millennium Declaration set out certain shared societal values that are essential to international relations in the 21st century. These values govern the conduct of nations and include freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature, and shared responsibility.

6.3 Underlying the shared societal values of the Millennium Declaration are universal human values, which are part of the deepest nature of all human beings and which govern human conduct.

6.4 The world is at a tipping point today. It is on fire with hatred, conflict, violence, and religious and ethnic strife. Universal human values now need to be the focus of our attention, in order to strengthen the societal values of the Millennium Declaration and achieve its goals and objectives in the key areas of peace, security and disarmament; human rights and good governance; development and poverty eradication; protecting our common environment; protecting the vulnerable; and meeting the special needs of Africa.

ARTICLE 7

Globalizing Human Values and Wisdom

7.1 Universal human values are at the basis of all the major world religions. All religions advocate compassion, love, generosity, non-violence, and selfless service to others. Today, however, religious fanaticism, arising from a narrow vision and a lack of knowledge and understanding about other religions, has become a menace to world peace and security.

7.2 Globalizing human values is essential to counter religious fanaticism. Although we have globalized the market economy today, including technology, fashion, food, and music, we have yet to globalize human values and wisdom.

7.3 The Millennium Declaration calls for equitable and inclusive globalization, so that it becomes a positive force for all the world’s people. We need to further expand and refine this principle of globalization as a positive force. Globalization of a market economy is not enough. Globalization of wisdom must now be our focus.

7.4 All children must receive a multi-religious, multi-cultural education so they have a general knowledge of all the world’s religions. Only in this way will they come to see the one truth among the diversity of religions and grow up to honor all spiritual traditions.

7.5 Broad-based ecumenical education throughout every part of the world is essential to promote understanding among different cultures and civilizations, and to achieve peace and security. Even if only a small area of the planet remains untouched by this effort and is left in darkness, thinking its own religion alone provides ultimate salvation, the world will not be a safe place.

ARTICLE 8

Follow – Up

8.1 Given the paramount importance of putting into practice the principles contained in this Declaration in order to foster understanding among different cultures and civilizations, to fulfill the purposes for which the United Nations was formed, and to assure the future of society and of the planet itself, we call upon the General Assembly to monitor and review on a regular basis the progress of member States in implementing our common commitments in this Declaration. We further request the Secretary-General to issue periodic progress reports, as a basis for further action.

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Honors and Awards

• Honorary Doctorate, Nagarjuna University, Andhra Pradesh, India, 2008
• Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa by Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India, 2007
• National Veterans Foundation Award, USA, 2007
• Honorary Doctorate of Science by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India, 2007
• Varshada Kannadiga (Kannadiga of the Year) by ETV, 2007
• Leadership Award for Extraordinary Promotion for World Peace and Harmony by Amity University, 2007
• Sant Shri Dnyaneshwara World Peace Prize 2006 by World Peace Centre, Pune
• Doctor of Philosophy (Holistic Medicine) by Open International University for Complementary Medicine, Sri Lanka
• Order of the Pole Star 2006, highest state honour by the President of Mongolia
• Fervent Global Love of Life 2006 by the Cultural and Education Foundation of Human Life, Taiwan
• Peter the Great, First Grade Award, Russian Federation, 2006
• Mongolian Prime Minister's Award, 2006
• Mahavir-Mahatma Award for Contribution to Peace, Times Foundation, India, 2005
• Dara Shikoh National Award for Harmony, New Delhi, 2005
• Global Humanitarian Award, Illinois, USA, 2005
• Member of Martin Luther Collegium of Scholars, 2005
• Bharat Shiromani Award, New Delhi, India, 2004
• Honorary Doctorate of Literature from Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India
• The Illustrious Visitors Award, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2004
• Phoenix Award, Atlanta, USA, 2002
• Guru Mahatmya Award, Government of Maharashtra, India, 1997
• Title of Yoga Shiromani (Supreme Jewel of Yoga), President of India, 1986