Next Tuesday, October 2, is remembered in many parts of the world as the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. He was born 147 years ago, in 1869. In honor of his life and his message of non-violence the United Nations has declared October 2, to be the International Day of Nonviolence.
It is interesting to note that although the concept of nonviolence is praised in every major religious tradition and in every culture, there is no word for it. Throughout history people have practiced nonviolence, but there is no word to express the idea of nonviolence. It is defined by what it is not. Nonviolence is the absence of violence. What would it be like if instead of talking about “war” we spoke of “non-peace?”
How can we explain the absence of a proactive word for nonviolence? In Nonviolence: Twenty-five Lessons from the History of a Dangerous Idea, the author, Mark Kurlansky, suggests that the reason nonviolence has been marginalized is because it is one of the truly revolutionary ideas that we have. It is an idea that seeks to change the nature of society and national priorities. It is a dangerous idea, and people who advocate for it are dangerous people. Yet, in spite of efforts to marginalize the idea, it does not go away. And, people who practice the way of nonviolence–who believe in boycotts, sit-ins, strikes, letter writing, and so forth–continue to be agents of change today, as they have been throughout history.
Nonviolence is a political action that draws on the power of love. It is a way of life and a method for effective change. In the words of Pope Francis: “A culture of nonviolence is not an unattainable dream, but a path that has produced decisive results. The consistent practice of nonviolence has broken barriers, bound wounds, healed nations.”
Enjoy your celebration of the International Day of Nonviolence on October 2, 2017.
In friendship,
David