Chopra urges global
‘family of compassion’
Peace starts with internal commitment: author Deepak Chopra - by Reporter: Jennifer Miller
 |
With aggressive language for projects and movements that are
supposed to be positive, it’s no wonder even peace activists are
angry. Everything from the War on Drugs to the War on Poverty uses
metaphors for violence instead of a language of peace.
“Everything’s a war,” Dr. Deepak Chopra said to a crowd of about
1,000 people last Thursday (Aug. 2) at a large community event at
the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. |
The Alliance for a New Humanity, a global organization of which
Chopra is an active member, is hoping to change the dialogue and
change the world for the better. The alliance was the focus of
Chopra’s talk at the local event.
He said every mind that is at peace adds to the overall peace of the
world, and if more people become peaceful the world will become more
peaceful. It’s a simple idea that just needs to be put into
practice, he said.
The goal of the alliance is to connect groups of people all over the
world who aren’t happy with the current conditions of war, poverty
and injustice. Connecting groups who want to make a change will
create the critical mass necessary for change on a global level,
Chopra said.
The idea is to create a global culture of compassion, unity and
peace. The current state of the world is a reflection of ourselves,
so we need to change the conversation, he said.
“The new world will be a family, a family of compassion,” Chopra
said. “The world is our family.”
The Alliance for a New Humanity began at a conference in 2001,
shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks, Chopra said. The international
group identified a need for a new way to look at the problems of the
world.
The alliance came up with three steps to create change. First, in
the words of Gandhi, “be the change you want to see in the world,”
Chopra said.
The second step is to take action because “love without action is
meaningless and action without love is irrelevant,” he said.
Finally, share your passion with other people to create the critical
mass necessary for global change.
“I invite you to be the change,” Chopra said.
Chopra was in Whistler last week for a six-day spiritual retreat
called “Seduction of Spirit.” Though he has visited and spoken at
events in Vancouver many times, it was his first time in Whistler.
Chopra has authored more than 40 books and is known for his ideas
that combine the technology of western medicine with eastern wisdom.
In addition to his work with the Chopra Centre and the Alliance for
a New Humanity, he’s also working with the United Nations on
leadership training for women and young people in developing
nations.
Local organizers Kelly Oswald, Laurin Kyle Boyle, Glenn Iles and
Michael Symonds are continuing to hold Be the Change events to keep
the momentum going and continue to connect people who are working
for change. The first local event is scheduled for Sept. 13. Contact
Oswald at (604) 905-0084 for details.
Visit www.anhglobal.org for
more information on the Alliance for a New Humanity. |
