Certain universal principles predispose us to peace.
The first and most important of these is respect.
Respect is at the heart of many spiritualities, but it is particularly well lived and apparent in indigenous and native spirituality. I can cite examples from our peoples here in North America, but I know that these values are shared by the vast majority of the world’s native peoples. A well-known example is the way in which elders are respected, listened to, supported and protected within these communities. Another living and current example of this sharing of values exists in the annual gathering of shamans and bearers of indigenous and native traditions in France: the International Festival of Ancestral Traditions and Spiritualities. I participated in this for a few years, a long time ago. What I noticed was that there is a fundamental unity in all these traditions. The same principles of community, respect for nature and Mother Earth, flora and fauna are found everywhere. And respect reigns among all participants. No one considers one tradition superior to another; all traditions and their representatives are honoured in their values, ways of life and spiritual customs.
Financial technology and technocracy, established about 5,000 years ago and leading to the creation of civilizations as we know them, illustrate the dysfunction of this fundamental principle. It is important to understand that this technology of money—the arbitrary value assigned to a symbolic object, whether it be the dollar, the euro, gold or silver—was established as a method of controlling and subjugating populations, first in the Middle East, then gradually in neighbouring countries, and finally on a global scale. What this dysfunctionality engenders is that some accumulate much more than others, while others remain poor and destitute, despite their inherent human value. The wealthiest, in order to increase their assets even further, organize themselves into companies, lobbies, governments and other structures that exercise excessive power over the working, farming and artisan populations, who are content to live healthily and simply in harmony with nature. The result, visible throughout the world, is oppression, war and genocide—consequences, for the most part, of the greed of those who have much and always want more.
Today, it is futile to think of living without money. This technology is the foundation of the societies in which we live. However, it is still possible—and necessary—to promote, in education as well as in the regulations and functioning of societies and states, mechanisms of respect for all, including nature and the species of flora and fauna that populate our ecosystems. Some countries are succeeding in this. It is regrettable that the current structure of the United Nations is so corrupt and so incapable of exercising real power in favour of peace and respect for peoples—for the principles of its charter reflect this basis of respect that leads to peace and prosperity for all.
But, once again, this brings us back to the essential: where it all begins. Within ourselves. We can only influence others if we have first established respect within ourselves and towards everyone. Thus, spiritual practices, rituals and ceremonies that lead us to cultivate universal respect and inner control over our reactions to others—as well as the harmonious management of our emotions—are the basis and prerequisite for peace. For they teach and give rise, from within, to the fundamental respect that is a universal truth.
Have a restfull weekend.