Daily Readings from the Works of Swami Venkatesananda


Venkatesa Daily Readings Vol 1 - Embracing The Truth

January 13, 2024

Embracing The Truth

     Do we realize that the world has never really enjoyed peace? In fact that is the reason why we still wish for peace! Of course there have been periods of peace, but they have been "lulls" between two wars, periods in which the powers rested and recuperated, like wrestlers do between two rounds. A very simple way to abolish wars is to insist that he who signs the declaration of war shall be the first soldier on the battlefront. I am sure nobody will dare sign the declaration of war, which would then become his own death warrant.  It may be unpalatable - truth is often unpalatable - to realize that one who supports a war in which others fight and get killed, is a cannibal. A cannibal kills other humans in order that he may live.

    It is of course obvious that war cannot (and will not) be abolished until the climate - personal and social - that breeds war changes. Accumulation of wealth and concentration of power, unequal distribution of natural resources, overt or covert denial to some of opportunities of education and employment, oppression and exploitation of some by others - these breed conflict, war and violence.

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