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The New Gandhi

By Mary Hamer

22 April, 2010
Countercurrents.org

I believe the new Gandhi will: “Advance the Human Race without Harming Animals or the Earth” (1)

*GANDHI: Mohandas Gandhi was the spiritual leader of the 20th Century who developed & practiced principles of Non-violent methods of conflict resolution. “Gandhi was the pre-eminent political & spiritual leader of India during the Indian independence movement. He was the pioneer of Satyagraha – Resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience, a philosophy firmly founded upon Ahimsa or total nonviolence – (These concepts) led India to independence & inspired movements for civil rights & freedom across the world”. Gandhi’s Key principles include: Truth, Nonviolence, Vegetarianism & Simplicity. (2)

*WHERE IS THE NEW GANDHI? Where is the new spiritual leader of the 21st Century who can unite the world? Where is this new sensei who can reconnect humans back to nature, in harmony with the animals & the Earth? Where is this new role model who can heal the wounded, restore dignity to the humiliated & shamed and who can help the rejected people in society? Where is this new guru who can inspire people to rise up out of desperation? Where is the new Mahatma or Great Soul who can bring joy into people’s hearts?

*WHO IS THE NEW GANDHI? Will this new leader be American, European, South Asian, Russian, Australian, African or South American? Will this person be a child, an adult or a senior citizen. Will this person be a man or a woman? Is this new Gandhi alive now?; Or has this world teacher passed on (such as Howard Zinn) awaiting discovery by the living?; Or is this new marharishi still unborn? I believe there is a potential in all of us to be Gandhi-like in our lives.

*KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW GANDHI:

I. EARTH ETHIC: I believe the new Gandhi will embrace Animal rights & Earth justice – As well as Human rights. I believe that this advanced, enlightened spiritual leader will have high levels of Morality & Consciousness/Awareness -- & who will be just as compassionate about the suffering of animals & the Earth – As this leader will be about human suffering.

II. NON-VIOLENCE: I believe the new Gandhi will continue on with Mohandas Gandhi’s principles of Non-Violence, Ahimsa & Peacemaking:

*DO NO HARM i.e. AHIMSA: The Do No Harm philosophy i.e. Ahimsa or Non-violence goes far beyond not killing – To advanced concepts of Not harming, not offending, not humiliating, not shaming -- Not even having the thought of revenge, hatred or malice. Homo Earth seek this advanced concept of Do No Harm & Non-violence. Homo Earth also seek to avoid violent language & the humiliation of others.

*Gandhi: Ahimsa or non-violence means “non-killing” but according to Gandhi it has a much higher meaning. Ahimsa means that: “You may not offend anybody. You may not harbor an uncharitable thought, even … with those (you consider) to be your enemy”. (3) “Nonviolence means avoiding injury to anything on earth in thought, word or deed”. Also, Gandhi states: “Nonviolence is restraint” & “Ahimsa calls for the strength & courage to suffer without retaliation”. (4)

III. PEACEMAKING:

I believe the new sage will seek to make peace with Dialogue, negotiation, win/win techniques, gestures of conciliation, good listening skills, soft power, de-escalation techniques -- & offers of a Truce & Negotiating with the Enemy

*DIALOGUE: “Dialogue is a form of conversation that is distinct from: Discussion debate, … diatribe & dogma because dialogue is the only form of communication where the participants act as authentic peers. All other forms of communication emphasize a Power relationship that interferes with … ideas”. (5)

*Suffering: Peacemakers understand that both sides of a violent conflict suffer – the perpetrators suffer as well as the victims. Peacemakers have compassion for the both the Victims of violence & cruelty and the Enemy/Attacker as well.

*Compassion: As Feldman explains: “Compassion is an invitation to cross the divide that separates ‘Us’ from ‘them’”. Feldman asks us to: Listen to the cries of the world. (6)

*Compassionate Listening: The Compassionate Listening philosophy states that : “Every party to a conflict is suffering” & that “Every act of violence comes from an unhealed wound”. (7) Gene Knudsen Hoffman calls on us all to listen &: “To understand people on all sides of conflicts” including the torturers as well as the tortured. (8)

*Longfellow said: “If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow & suffering enough to disarm all hostility”. (9)

*TRUCE: Will this new Gandhi unite Israel & Palestine? Will this new spiritual leader unite America, Al-Qaeda & Bin Laden?

Will this new guru bring about a permanent Truce/a Hudna to the conflicts in the world?

Note: By the word “Truce”: I mean a permanent end to violence – replaced by conflict resolution methods such as dialogue, negotiation & mediation. The New York Times article by Yousef titled: Pause for Peace 2006: states that “Hudna goes beyond the Western concept of a ceasefire & obliges the parties…to seek a permanent, nonviolent resolution to their differences…Whereas war dehumanizes the enemy & makes it easier to kill, a hudna affords the opportunity to humanize one’s opponents & understand their position with the goal of resolving the…dispute”. (10)

*SHOULD WE NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORISTS? Currie states in his article on this topic: “A refusal to negotiate (with terrorists) indicates rejection of the other side & rejection creates serious … obstacles to problem-solving -- because it prevents clear communication from taking place & it guarantees defensiveness & resistance to change”. (11)

IV. WISDOM:

*Socrates: Will the new Gandhi have the wisdom of Socrates? Socrates said that people do harm out of ignorance & that each of us is responsible for our ignorance; Education can help us deal with that ignorance. (12)

*Rational Thinking: Will the new Gandhi have the wisdom of Albert Ellis? Albert Ellis is the founder of a form of Cognitive therapy called: Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy; Ellis’ philosophy says that: it is: Irrational beliefs that cause Emotional disturbances -- that then give rise to Behavioral problems. The goal is for each of us to #1. Identify our Irrational beliefs, to challenge them & to replace them with Rational thinking. #2. Then, we can transform unhealthy emotions such as anger to healthier emotions such as disappointment or frustration. #3. As a result, we can transform our dysfunctional behaviors to more peaceful behaviors. (13)

V. TRUTH SEEKING: I believe the new guru will seek the truth in the midst of ignorance, deception, agendas & denial. The new maharishi will listen to the enemy – #1. Even the Enemy has human rights including the right to be treated with dignity (14) & #2. The Enemy has a partial truth as well as a perceived truth.

VI. AWARENESS of CRUELTY: The new spiritual leader will be highly aware of the suffering of animals slaughtered for human food & the pain of animals killed for leather & fur clothes. The new guru will be highly conscious of the suffering of animals injected, traumatized & surgerized during medical testing for prescription drugs & safety testing. The new swami will be highly aware of the suffering of animals in the entertainment industry such as the horse racing, dog racing, circus & ocean marina businesses.

*For example, at a Christmas meal: We clink our glasses, wearing our sexy fur & leather clothes & We say Cheers! Then We fill our bellies full of the pain & suffering of other creatures of this Earth – With No remorse or shame. We laugh not realizing the horrifying pain that a raccoon dog or a fox went thru as it was skinned alive in Hebei Province, China (15) for our sexy fur coats. The new sage will be mindful of the fears & agony of other beings, seek to do no harm & will eat foods & live a life that minimizes harm to others. The new guru will not clink glasses, will not say Cheers to & will not celebrate the suffering of other creatures.

VII. AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY:

*NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY, PROPAGANDA & DECEPTION: The new Gandhi will be highly aware of the dangers of nuclear technology including: Nuclear power, Nuclear bombs, Depleted uranium (DU) & Nuclear waste. The new sensei will be highly aware of Presidents, politicians & corporations who: Deny the dangers of nuclear technology, Deceive people about the safety of such technology & who Shame people for being concerned for the health & safety of humans, animals & the Earth. For example, Nuclear power is Not clean, Nor is it green; In fact, Nuclear technology is Dirty, Expensive & Dangerous & CO2 producing. (16) (17)

*The DANGERS of DEPLETED URANIUM: For example, many references state the dangers of Depleted Uranium (18), (18), (20), (21)

*DU DENIAL & PROPAGANDA: Other references suggest that there is little or no danger from Depleted Uranium. Common phrases used by DU Deniers include: We are “not aware” of any official reports showing any dangers of DU or We take public health concerns “very seriously” but no studies have indicated … health issues (related to DU). (22) For example, In March 2003, a U.S. government official said that “There is no substantial evidence to suggest that DU is the source of any particular illness from the Gulf War or that it carries any environmental hazard”. (23) (An answer as stated by an ‘Expert’): “There should be no danger to you from airborne depleted uranium & it is therefore it is unnecessary for you to purchase or to wear a respirator”. (24) The World Health Organization states: “Under most circumstances, use of DU will make a negligible contribution to the overall natural background levels of uranium in the environment … For the general population, neither the civilian nor military use of DU is likely to produce exposures to DU significantly above normal background levels of uranium”. (25)

*LOS ALAMOS MEMO: A Los Alamos memo states: “There is a relatively small amount of lethality data for uranium penetrators. … It is believed that DU penetrators were very effective against Iraqi armor … There has been & continues to be a concern regarding the impact of DU on the environment. … If DU penetrators proved their worth during our recent combat activities, then we should assure their future existence … If proponency is not garnered, It is possible that we stand to lose a valuable combat capability. … I believe we should keep this sensitive issue at mind when action reports are written”. (26)

*Conclusion: The new spiritual leader will be aware of the dangers & the propaganda of nuclear technology.

*MY NOMINATIONS FOR THE NEW GANDHI:

*NELSON MANDELA of SOUTH AFRICA:

*ANTI-APARTHEID MOVEMENT & TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION: “Nelson Mandela … (was) the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist … The South African courts convicted him (of crimes) while he led the movement against apartheid. In accordance with his conviction … Mandela served 27 years in prison … Following his release from prison … Mandela supported reconciliation & negotiation & helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa” . “Mandela has received more than 250 awards (in his life)… most notably the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize”. Mandela’s accomplishments also include the successful South African Truth & Reconciliation Commission. (27)

*HIS HOLINESS THE 14TH DALAI LAMA: The Honorable 14th Dalai Lama is “A spiritual leader revered among the people of Tibet. … He is the head of the government-in-exile based in … India”. (28)

*SOCIAL & POLITICAL ISSUES: Social & Political issues of concern for His Holiness include: the Tibetan independence movement. Regarding the environment he states: “This blue planet is our only home … Ecology should be part of our daily life” (29)

*NON-VIOLENCE: The Dalai Lama is most known for his leadership for a Non-Violent Response to the invasion & occupation of Tibet. His Holiness won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989; “The committee recognized his efforts in ‘The struggle of the liberation of Tibet & the efforts for a peaceful resolution instead of using violence’”. (30)

*TIBET: The Dalai Lama’s 5 Point Peace Plan for Tibet includes: “Transformation of the whole of Tibet into a zone of Ahimsa, (a) Demilitarized zone of peace & non-violence”.& “ Abandonment of China’s use of Tibet for the production of nuclear weapons & dumping of nuclear waste”. (31) The Dalai Lama envisions Tibet as a sanctuary: “A zone of peace … where all sentient beings can exist in harmony & the delicate environment can be preserved”. (32)

*PETA & INGRID NEWKIRK: In my opinion the new Gandhi will acknowledge Animal rights & compassion for animal pain & suffering – As well as Human rights & Environmentalism -- forming an overall highly advanced philosophy of Nonviolence.

“People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is an Animal rights organization based in Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.A. … It claims the status of the largest animal rights group in the world. Ingrid Newkirk is a British-born animal rights activist, author & PETA’s international president (33) & co-founder (along with Alex Pacheco). (34) Newkirk is the author of several books about animal liberation, including: Free the Animals (2000) & Making Kind Choices (2005). (35)

The PETA: Mission Statement is: Animals are Not ours to Eat. Animals are Not ours to Wear. Animals are Not ours to Experiment on. Animals are Not ours to use for Entertainment. Animals are Not ours to Abuse in any way.

*GREENPEACE ORGANIZATION: I nominate Greenpeace as a spiritual leader in the 21st Century since Greenpeace has taken such an active role in protecting the health & well-being of the Earth & it’s human, animal & plant life. “Greenpeace is a non-governmental environmental organization. … Greenpeace states it’s goal is to: Ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all it’s diversity. Greenpeace used direct action, lobbying & research to achieve it’s goals”. (36) Greenpeace’s Priorities & campaigns include: Catalyzing an energy revolution to address the #1 threat facing our planet: Climate Change, Defending our oceans, Protecting the world’s remaining ancient forests, Working for disarmament & peace – calling for elimination of all nuclear weapons. (37)

*CONCLUSION: Who is the new Gandhi? Who is the new spiritual leader of the Earth for the 21st Century? I believe there is a potential in all of us to be Gandhi-like in our daily lives. Please go forth in your lives & help people, the animals, the trees & the planet Earth live in peace, health & safety.

*PLEASE DO NO HARM: whether it be toward a disabled person, a stray dog or a stranger. Please be kind to all life. If you are Angry with a fist or a swear word, Please stop & pause. Anger is the most dangerous thing in the universe. Anger is the quantum mechanics cousin of a nuclear bomb. Anger is the fractal seed of war. (38) If you have anger, Please stop & hear your victim’s cries. Please use restraint. If you have anger, Please walk away. IF you walk away from Anger, then YOU will be the new Gandhi. Please live as Mahatma Gandhi did -- Nonviolently. Please be kind to Humans – as imperfect as they are; Please be kind to the Animals; & Please be kind to the Earth. Please Do No Harm.

Namaste. Salaam. Shalom. Shanti. Peace

Thank you. Respectfully, Mary Hamer, M.D.

REFERENCES:

1. Mary Hamer’s extrapolation of the National Anti-Vivisection’s Mission Statement: “Advancing Science without Harming Animals”.

2. en.wikipedia.org: Mohandas Gandhi, Introduction.

3. Mohandas Gandhi. Orbis Books. C 2005. Pg 96-97.

4. Gandhi on NonViolence. Merton, Thomas, Editor. New Directions. C 1965. Pg 44, 58.

5. www.emotionalcompetency.com: Dialogue.

6. Feldman, Christina. Compassion. Rodmell Press. C 2005. Pg 1, 9.

7. yesmagazine.org: Just Listen by Leah Green. 11/5/2001.

8. www.newconversations.net: Compassionate Listening by Gene Knudsen Hoffman.

9. www.goodreads.com: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Enemies quote.

10. www.nytimes.com: Yousef, Ahmed. Pause for Peace. 11/1/6.

11. www.mediate.com: Should We Negotiate with Terrorists? By Cris Currie. June 2002.

12. Lavine, T.Z. From Socrates to Sartre. Bantom Books. C 1984. Pg 16.

13. en.wikipedia.org: Albert Ellis (Psychologist).

14. en.wikipedia.org: Geneva Conventions.

15. www.peta.org: Chinese Fur Farms: Hell on Earth.

16. www.nirs.org: Nuclear Power: No solution to Climate Change: Exposing the Myths. 17. www.psr.org: Dirty, Dangerous & Expensive: The Truth about Nuclear Power.

18. www.gulfwarvets.com: Depleted Uranium.

19. www.yesmagazine.org: Rokke, Doug. The War against Ourselves. 3/31/3.

20. www.countercurrents.org: Hall, Irving Wesley. Depleted Uranium for Dummies. 3/23/6 Referencing the Notinkansas.us website.

21. www.commondreams.org: Thomas, Helen. How Dangerous is Depleted Uranium? 12/11/4.

22. www.countercurrents.org: Stuart, R. B.. Democracy & Depleted Uranium. 4/21/10.

23. www.defense.gov: Sgt 1st Class Doug Sample, USA American Forces Press Service: Pentagon Officials Say Depleted Uranium Powerful, Safe.

24. www.hps.org: Health Physics Society: Answer to Question #4549 Submitted to: Ask the Experts” Answer posted 8 July 2005].

25. www.who.int: Depleted Uranium.

26. wwwgrassrootspeace.org: Los Alamos Memorandum: The Effectiveness of Depleted Uranium Penetrators. March 1, 1991.

27. en.wikipedia.org: Nelson Mandela, Introduction & Truth & Reconciliation Commission.

28. en.wikipedia.org: 14th Dalai Lama. Referencing: Laird, Thomas. The Story of Tibet 2006 & Bell, Charles. Portrait of the Dalai Lama & The Institution of the Dalai Lama by Rahul Sheel in The Tibet Journal 1989.

29. en.wikipedia.org: 14th Dalai Lama.

30. en.wikiepdia.org: 14th Dalai Lama. Referencing: The Nobel Prize. Dalai Lama.

31. www.savetibet.org: Tibet: His Holiness the Dalai Lama & The Five Point Peace Plan.

32. www.dalailama.com: Biography.

33. en.wikipedia.org: PETA. Referencing PETA Letter to the Sarasota County Commission.

34. en.wikipedia.org. Ingrid Newkirk. Referencing: Ingrid Newkirk: Animal Rights Crusader. Encyclopaedia Britannica’s Advocacy for Animals & Schwartz, Jeffrey & Begley, Sharon. The Mind & the Brain. 2002.

35. en.wikipedia.org: Ingrid Newkirk.

36. en.wikipedia.org: Greenpeace. Referencing: United Nations, Department of Public Information, NGO’s & Greenpeace International FAQ: Questions about Greenpeace in General.

37. en.wikipedia.org: Greenpeace. Referencing the Greenpeace International official website.

39. Hamer, Mary. Apology for the “F” Word & War. Countercurrents.org. 1/28/10.