Final Wisdom of Gandhi 806

(photo by Homer Franck at the Peace Abbey, Sherborne, Mass., USA)

Living Nonviolence:The Wisdom of Gandhi

(in his own words)

A time for learning and shared reflection

Nonviolent Peaceforce – Greater Boston

PreambleHope for and Vision of This Program:

This two hour (or longer) program has been designed for small groups to use in avariety of settings (living rooms, churches or civic centers, back yards, workshoprooms, etc.). The following guide offers detailed suggestions for structure andcontent, so that a facilitator or leader need not have studied Gandhi, but maysimply be comfortable with guiding the group process.The participants in this contemporary experience, having been exposed to the “rawWisdom” of Gandhi, would be encouraged to think about ways in which theycould apply Gandhi’s principles in their own individual lives and in the groupswith which they work.With Gandhi’s words in their minds, they might want to speak in the group abouttheir own “Truth-Force” and at the end of the evening people might choose totake an oath or pledge of non-violence. Some people might like to communicateto others (perhaps as a reinforcement) what an oath of non-violence would meanin changing their lives or furthering their already-begun work. In some cases itmight be very simple: i.e. the force of Truth, when humbly listened to, causesthem to recognize that they continually shout at their spouse or children. Their oath of non-violence might be one of non-violent speech, a speech that carriesGandhi’s mandate of always communicating Love (ahimsa) above all else. Other people might be called to help implement non-violent training in their children’sschools (as has been successfully done in one Dorchester school). Some mightwant to join a nuclear disarmament movement. Others might want to contributefinancially to the victims of violence in Darfur or to the Nonviolent Peaceforceitself.Our hope is that each person might leave the evening with a bit of Gandhi in him-or herself—all of us motivated and strengthened to live out Gandhi’s ideals in our own present lives. ...everyone is encouraged to think about how Gandhi’s TruthForce (Satyagraha) and Nonviolence might be expressed here in the presentmoment.-1-

Notes:

1. Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) was conceived in 1999 as a continuation of Gandhi's vision of a "Shanti Sena," or peace army. NP recruits, trains andfinancially supports civilians from around the world who deploy in areas of conflict. NP teams are nonpartisan and unarmed. NP peacekeeping forces apply proven nonviolent strategies to protect human rights, deter violence, and helpcreate space for local peacemakers to carry out their work. More informationabout the Nonviolent Peaceforce can be found at

www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org.

2. NP takes Mohandas K. Gandhi as one of its chief spiritual leaders and guides inits support of collective nonviolence. This program has been created to help NPmembers and others to appreciate and internalize Gandhi’s considerable spiritualand philosophical contributions to nonviolence. It is our fervent hope that it will be used to further peaceful and respectful dialogue among us all, on all levelsfrom the personal to the global.3. This packet was prepared by members of the Greater Boston chapter of the Nonviolent Peaceforce. Any errors or omissions are solely the responsibility of NPGB. NPGB can be reached through Sherry Zitter at sherry@sherryzitter.org or 978-562-1801.4. This packet is available on line through www.usnpca.org or workadayforpeace.org. We request that a $10 donation be sent to NonviolentPeaceforce when it is downloaded; we hope you will then use it many times over in different venues. We use the honor system for payment: please mail your tax-deductible check to Nonviolent Peaceforce, 425 Oak Grove, Minneapolis MN55403. Thank you!!-2-

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Upload Date:	10/26/2009
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