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Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Peace
an article by Patricia Porter
An article by:
The world is in need of a philosophy of peace and non-violence. It is almost difficult to fathom what our world leaders would accomplish through peace dialogues and non violent resolutions because the majority of our past reflects violence. However, when I analyze leadership, I see three strikingly humble individuals who have created a legacy of peace.
I examine history, and I see that Mahatma Gandhi was able to affect change in India for the benefit of his people, without resorting to violence as a way to communicate desired change. The late Martin Luther King Jr. reformed an entire society by eliminating the ruthless Jim Crow laws specific to yielding African-American rights and freedoms. He articulated himself beautifully to translate a desire fit perfectly for every black man and woman. In this desire, he communicated that violence is not a way to affect change; ultimately continuous dialogue is the only resolution.
Today, Daisaku Ikeda, a zealous global Buddhist leader has shared the same experience through his multiple peace dialogue efforts and humanitarian accomplishments across the world. His practice of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism has fueled his fight for world peace and his compassion reaffirms his faith driven desire to affect change.
These three individuals are all important in the study of peace because they have created lasting mentor and disciple relationships with one another. King accepting Gandhi as his mentor and Ikeda honoring the principles of both, contribute to the promotion of peace in the presence of systemic violence.
It is my hope that these three peacemaker’s lives will continue to be a foundation for peace, non-violence, and tolerance. As Gandhi lived to be the change that he wished to see, King and Ikeda followed; it is our responsibility to continue this legacy of peace.
For more information about Daisaku Ikeda, please visit www.sgi-usa.org.
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DISCUSSION
Question(s) related to this article:
How can the peace movement become stronger and more effective?,
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Latest reader comment:
The peace movement can become stronger and more effective in two ways: recognizing peace movements in other countries such as Iraq this week, and in the US by continuing the momentum. On April 15th, several actions are planned reminding tax payers how much of their tax dollars go to fund the war machine, April 29, Bruce Gagnon's Global Network vs. Nuclear weapons in Space will meet in NYC, followed by the Mayors for Peace Non-Proliferation Treaty renewal rally in Central Park.
And Jonathan Schell will be speaking at the West Hartford Town Hall on Tuesday April 12 at 7:00 p.m. He is one of the leading philosophers of the peace movement.
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