Development Dossier
Fayza Kefi Union nationale de la femme tunisienne
Download 0.58 Mb.
|
- Navigate this page:
- Nancy B. Roof
Fayza KefiUnion nationale de la femme tunisienne56 Blvd Bab Benat, Tunis, Tunisia Tel: +216/561845 The Values Caucus Why is it that the word "values" is becoming increasingly visible in the media and as a topic of conversation? Why is it that the World Summit for Social Development has been called a summit of "values"? Why does the Commission on Global Governance call for a fundamental shift in values for our times? In times of integration we hear little about values. But our world is in the process of profound change. Societal disintegration and global integration are happening simultaneously. Managing these changes requires a new global vision of global interdependence, cultural diversity, and participatory decision‑making. We must identify practical values that will work in the contemporary world, and provide the foundation for a better, kinder world. Further, we are asked to develop processes and structures which will foster these values. We can no longer accept empty rhetoric about ideals and values that are exploited in the name of a cause, no matter how bloody. We must demand that leaders who attest to ideals and values be required to demonstrate them in their actions. We must ask the same of ourselves. Only collective action will solve global problems in the contemporary world. Building trust and cooperation between states will be required if we are to avoid collective destruction. The extensive research of Sisela Book, Harvard University, indicates that three universal values are fundamental to building trust and cooperation. In their absence global society lacks the cohesion necessary to find common solutions. We can honor diversity only if it does not violate these basic values ‑ mutual caring, support, reciprocity ‑ constraints on violence, Lying, betrayal ‑ rudimentary system of justice We must make a commitment to practice values that lead to societal cohesiveness. The sacred and secular are converging today in attesting to the reality of the One Humanity. Thinking about ourselves as One helps avoid the negative values of separation and otherness which lead to fear, suspicion, and ultimate dehumanization, inviting violence without conscience. The solution of contemporary global problems require global solidarity. We must identify ourselves at more inclusive levels as members of the One Humanity. We must change our attitudes, values and behaviors to adapt ourselves to this new identity. We must choose leaders in all fields who put a high value on changing themselves and developing the values and skills needed for the changing times. We need leaders who are integrated thinkers to build an integrated world. The time is short. The opportunity is now. We are at a defining point in history, when breakdowns are occurring, and institutional changes have not yet become stabilized and impermeable to change. In the past sweeping historical changes have occurred through fear and catastrophe rather than through choice and wisdom. Potential global catastrophe threatens us through nuclear disaster, environmental pollution, poverty, and eruption of violence. We must examine the value choices that created a threatening and materialistic world. Change can occur through a change of mind and a choice of values that include global responsibility. We, civic society and governments together, can and must define our future through moral courage and the wisdom of our highest values. We, the people of the world, will be satisfied with nothing less. Nancy B. RoofCenter for Psychology and Social Change 330 East 46th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017 USA Tel/Fax:+1-212/808 0469 The Integration of Spiritual and Material Values In our new, changing world of interconnectedness and interdependence, a guiding principle must be recognized in order for this new world to be further enhanced: "As material civilization develops, spiritual civilization must be cultivated accordingly". Spiritual evolution of each individual needs to accompany the ever‑expanding scientific, political and economic revolutions. Otherwise, the human spirit will be stunted in growth. To enrich ourselves in the coming new world, we must learn to resolve with patience, and seek to integrate with perseverance, many seemingly conflicting views, ie. the spiritual and material, the sacred and the secular, theory and practice, religion and science. Only when scientific and material civilizations are integrated with spiritual cultivation can an ideal global society be established in the world. As an example of this integration, ordinary Won Buddhist ministers in Korea live with the homeless while also managing their shelters. Everyone in these shelters, shares the same daily schedule. In the morning they cultivate the mind‑heart by rising at 4:30 a.m. for meditation and prayer, planning their days, and exchanging ideas in a forum. During the day everyone works in animal farms, agricultural fields, or factories earning wages, but they are limited in spending the savings until they become independent materially and spiritually. In the evening, it is time for reflection, chanting, and writing in a spiritual diary. Our program empowers the homeless, spiritually and materially. Certainly, in the beginning, it is difficult to change attitudes and habits. But with spiritual inspiration, empowerment, and understanding the facts and principles of daily living, people can change their lives. Many of the homeless graduates in our shelters find jobs and apartments and can become independent. Some of them return to the shelters after spending their savings, but most of them successfully adjust to society By integration of the spiritual and the material, we will realize that we are One Family in One House. Humanity is One Family and the world is the House we share. We inherit the world from our ancestors, and in turn we pass it on to future generations. We live in it, sharing its resources, its joys and sufferings. Therefore, it is our duty to take good care of our One Human Family in One Planet Home. We must use our sense of One Family to eradicate material and spiritual poverty, to empower our fellow human beings spiritually and materially, and to encourage social development through love and compassion. In order to build the ideal society materially and spiritually, we need to become aware that we are ôCo‑Workersö in One Work Place. We have many different duties and skills, but we all have a common task: to build the House of Truth, to make a home for love and justice. All social, political, and religious enterprises should be utilized for the attainment of a peaceful world. We must learn to be Co‑Workers to solve the problems of poverty, unemployment, and social disintegration. For the benefit of the whole earth community, we need to practice these new values in our material lives. It is critical to bring this back to the schools to awaken our next generation to their highest potential. Let us work together for One Family in One House as Co‑Workers to integrate the spiritual and the material for a truly sustainable social development. Ven. Chung Ok Lee, Won Buddhism International 431 East 57th Street, New York, N.Y. 10022,USA Tel: 212/750‑2773; Fax: 1-212/750‑2774 Directory: images images -> Pelan pentaksiran kursus images -> Military callsign list as of dec 2010 images -> For Date: 02/01/2013 Friday Call Number Time Call Reason Action 13-768 0008 motor vehicle stop warning Issued images -> New embedded S images -> Creating Buy-In – Building Relationships images -> Deadline: Saturday, March 12th, 2016 images -> News items from Raising Our Voices images -> Last year four of the best Afrikaans Christian singers joined forces to tour Down Under with the production ‘Manne wat Glo’ images -> World-renowned vocal ensemble sweet honey in the rock images -> Peoples Voice Café History Download 0.58 Mb. Share with your friends:
|