March 25, 2012

Reblogged from craig's thoughts:

The Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi

January 31, 2010
Title: The Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi
Author Craig Lock
Category/Key words/ Tags: Gandhi, Mahatma (Mohandas)Gandhi, Peace, Peacemaking, Leadership, Inspiration, “Inspirational Writings”, India (stop – enough there now)
Web Site: Craig’s new blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at craiglock.wordpress.com and
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management (how boring now, craig!)
Publishing Guidelines:
All my articles (and quotations) may be freely published. If they make a difference in people’s lives by encouraging or bringing some joy, then we’re very happy.
*
THE LEGACY OF MAHATMA GANDHI
“Those who say that religion has nothing to do with politics, don’t know what religion is.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
For people around the world, to this day, the name of Mahatma (or Mohandas) Gandhi remains a highly significant symbol for peace and a powerful force against oppression. Gandhi said: ‘YOU have the power to create the world you want.’ Gandhi did not say, ‘I will be the change’; he said YOU be the change you want to see in the world. It was over a century ago on Sptember 11th (a highly significant date) that Mahandas Gandhi, an attorney launched his ‘satyagraha’ (which literally means ‘pursuit of truth) campaign of non-violent resistance to Apartheid in Johannesburg, South Africa. Gandhi advocated “truth force” in conflict resolution. Gandhi strongly influenced the thinking behind the non-violent struggle of the American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King. Nelson Mandela has also credited Gandhi’s legacy with inspiring him during the great man’s own long fight against the ‘apartheid regime’ in South Africa. Both Gandhi and Martin Luther King’s strategies involved:
* Stopping any act of non-violence in its tracks through non-violent, yet forceful ACTION.
* Adressing the issues behind the conflict (and the root causes of “terrorism”).
Gandhi thought that the right approach lies in confronting ideas, then alleviating the conditions that give rise to disatisfaction, restfulness and conflict (by getting right to the very SOURCE).
*
Leaders and negotiators should always maintain the moral high ground. War (and terrorism) is ALWAYS the very LAST resort. Gandhi thought that an inclination to fight debased those who adopted violence as a strategy.
Gandhi insisted on means, solutions that are consistent with the moral high ground of those engaged in the conflict.
The principal influence of ‘peacemaking’ is profound truth in nearly all of the great religions of the world.
“Religion divides; whereas truth unites.”
For every problem in the world, if there is the MORAL WILL, there IS a spiritual solution… because each one of has the power of CHOICE.
Without worthy means, worthy ends can never be attained.”
Gandhi never ever lost his faith in his fellow man … and in God.
“I am a Hindu. I am also a Christian, a Muslim, A Buddhist and a Jew.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Today, more than ever, we need the extraordinary spirit of Mahatma Gandhi to inhabit our world.

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)
“There are many causes I am prepared to die for; but no causes I am prepared to kill for.”
- Mahatma Gandhi

“Christ gave me the message. Gandhi gave me the method.”
- Dr Martin Luther King, jnr
“My death must achieve what my life failed to achieve.”

- Gandhi

Craig’s new blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at craiglock.wordpress.com and

About the submitter:
Craig believes in sharing information and insights to try to make some difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey to live their dreams and be all they can be… and that brings him the greatest joy. He truly believes in the great potential of people and their humanity to help make a more peaceful world.
* Hard copies and e-books – fiction and non-fiction: novels, self help, personal growth, inspiration, travel, humour and money books.
“We have it within; but we get it all from without. There is a well-spring of strength, wisdom, courage and great imagination within each one of us; but once we draw on this truth, it gets watered from without, by a Higher Source – the Ultimate Source of Life and Love, which is God, the very Ground of our Being.”
The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you…and the often seemingly difficult or even “impassible”) path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies within you.”
“Our Greatest Good is perhaps not to share our material possessions, our money and ‘riches’ with others, but through faith in other people, to so lay the foundation to reveal the rich treasure that lies within themselves.”
Together, one mind, one soul at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world.”
This article may be freely published, electronically or in print
“Blessed are the peace-makers… because they’ll inherit plenty of Frequent Flyer Points.”

PPS
Thanks, dearest mom for telling me about Gandhi, though I was too young to understand at the time. Your unique and generous spirit lives on through me sharing these words…forever

As they carry me to my deathbed, I’ll be saying:
“Lord,
Can you just give me one more hour to finish off one last article. PLEASE!”
- craig (as inspired by the quote of singer, Barry Manilow)

Gandhi’s Legacy of Non-Violence

January 30, 2010
Article Title: Gandhi’s Legacy of Non-Violence
Shared by: Craig Lock
Key words: Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, Peace, Peacemaking, Leadership, Inspiration
Web Site: Craig’s new blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at craiglock.wordpress.com and

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981 (Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management (how boring now, craig!)
Publishing Guidelines:
All my articles (and quotations) may be freely published. If they make a difference in people’s lives by encouraging or bringing some joy, then we’re very happy.
*
GANDHI’S LEGACY OF NON-VIOLENCE
It was over a century ago on September 11th (how significant the day!) that Mahandas Gandhi, an attorney born in India launched his ‘satyagraha‘ * campaign of non-violent resistance to Apartheid in Johannesburg, South Africa.
*  which literally means ‘the pursuit of truth’
Though many people may feel that Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent principles are no longer relevant, I believe these principles are more relevant than ever in today’s very violent world. Sonia Gandhi, widow of the late Indian Prime Minister (and chair of the Indian Congress Party) on a recent visit to South Africa said that even international terrorism would only be defeated ultimately by non-violent means, which included addressing its underlying causes. If democracies must fight terrorism, they should do so by democratic means.
“Without worthy means, worthy ends can never be attained”, she said, invoking the Mahatma’s remark that: “There are many causes I am prepared to die for; but no causes I am prepared to kill for.”
Today, more than ever, we need the extraordinary generous spirit of Mahatma Gandhi to inhabit our entire world.*
* Sourced, extracted (slightly adapted by craig) and inspired by a report in the excellent Cape Times Newspaper (established in 1876) in 2006
*   *   *
Here are some additional thoughts of mine on the life of Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi that I’ve jotted down over the years, so am sharing…
“Those who say that religion has nothing to do with politics, don’t know what religion is.”
Gandhi’s great spirit of inclusiveness is evident in his statement:
“I am a Hindu. I am also a Christian, a Muslim, A Buddhist and also a Jew.”

A last thought…
Mohandas Gandhi was impelled by a cause far greater than himself. His legacy of non-violent resistance calls  people in so many countries around the world to show great courage in the face of severe repression (and opression)…TODAY Will-power, spirit-power, or “soul-force” will eventually overcome brute force…always.

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

It always has…
and it always WILL!

“There are many causes I am prepared to die for; but no causes I am prepared to kill for.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
“Christ gave me the message. Gandhi gave me the method.”
- Dr Martin Luther King, jnr
About the submitter:
Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information and insights to try to make some difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey to live their dreams and be all they can be… and that brings him the greatest joy. He truly believes in the great potential of people and their humanity to make a better and more peaceful world.

Craig’s new blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at craiglock.wordpress.com and
“Blessed are the peace-makers… because they’ll inherit plenty of Frequent Flyer Points.”
* Hard copies and e-books – fiction and non-fiction: novels, self help, personal growth, inspiration, travel, humour and money books.
“The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you…and the often seemingly difficult or even “impassible”) path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies within you.”
“We have it within; but we get it all from without. There is a well-spring of strength, wisdom, courage and great imagination within each one of us; but once we draw on this truth, it gets watered from without, by a Higher Source – the Ultimate Source of Life and Love, which is God, the very Ground of our Being.”
“Our Greatest Good is perhaps not to share our material possessions, our money and ‘riches’ with others, but through faith in other people, to so lay the foundation to reveal the rich treasure that lies within themselves.”
“I see no Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist or Jew… but simply, and only a God-filled humanity.”
- craig
Together, one mind, one soul at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world.”
This article may be freely published, electronically or in print (with acknowledgment, thanks)
PPS:

“My death must achieve what my life failed to achieve.”

- Gandhi

Gandhi never ever lost his faith in his fellow man … and in God.

Sharing a Collection of “assorted” Thoughts and Writings on Peace (Part One)

August 8, 2009

Article Title: Sharing a Collection of “assorted” Thoughts and Writings on Peace (Part One) Author Name: Craig Lock Key Words: Inspiration, Spiritual, Peace, World Peace Other Articles are available at: http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981+ http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles.html (Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig!) Publishing Guidelines: These “rather heavy” writings may be freely published, electronically or in print. Enjoy (hopefully)… * Sharing a Collection of some “assorted” Thoughts and Writings on World Peace (Part One) “Those who seek to conquer other nations by force will only bring further violence.” (or words to that effect) – rather prophetic words from John F Kennedy “Intro”: As I ponder the seemingly insoluble solution to endemic violence and stop the scourge of terrorism in today’s world, the questions for me are endless. Number one: Is there ANY solution to extremism for any cause – fanatic people, who are prepared to afflict the most inhumane cruelty imaginable for a desired end (religious* or political), the nature of “pure evil”, etc. * Just sharing some initial thoughts and my past writings on world peace (dream on, “far-out, idealistic”,* Craig!) in an ever-more chaotic and violent world … and if there are any possible solutions. YES, I believe, the ONLY way the CYCLE of terrorism and violence can one day perhaps be ended…as I contemplate this complex matter in my own mind. * at least, that is what dear Marie calls me! “God has no religion” – Mahatma Gandhi What can be done with the “quagmire” of Iraq, (like Vietnam!), Iran, the Sudan, Congo, North Korea, Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan (the list gets longer by the day)? What can we “ordinary” people do about these situations in far-off countries? PEACE “Peace is, by all agreement, what everybody wants, at this moment. But violence – the weakest power Still rules the world to each small corner. Don’t sit around – Go out and do! The world wants peace, For me and you.” by South African, James Van Minnen “I watched it creep over the mountains, its warmth spreading, its light growing stronger each minute. Soon it will be up and another day will dawn on South Africa. This day will be no ordinary day, for it will be the day of peace. Tranquility had won another war for mankind, utterly destroying pain and violence. For this is the day we have been waiting for. This day bringing new hope for all. The day stretches on and finally it has to end. The sun will sink back behind the mountains bringing another day.” – anon and so peace came to South Africa out of a troubled, divided and bloody past… so why not the WORLD? – Craig Lock “When you can see no light at the end of the tunnel, light your own candle and let your light illuminate the world, like the radiance from a window at midnight.” “Let the light of your BEING shine brightly; so revealing Who You Really Are, your “Authentic Self”. Be a Bringer of the Light, which emanates from our soul, God, our Creator, the Source (and Ground of our very Being). Therefore, it can do more than illuminate your own path.YOUR spirit will help makes the lives of others easier by illuminating others paths. For this light is our humanity, the spirit of God, truth, beauty and especially love…and this “spark of God” lies within each one of us. Through your actions and your being, let your light, YOUR spirit truly shine brightly on the world, like the radiance emitted by a candle at midnight.” “Let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace.” “Become the person you are CAPABLE of being … and ALL the person God, Our Creator intended us to become.” – craig “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light… and where there is sadness, joy. I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” – anon “Love is the only force that can erase the difference between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness. In a changing world, it is a constant. It is the security of the home. It is a beacon of hope in a world of distress.” * – Wayne R. Bills, MA Love WITH STRENGTH and resolve is a power in us more powerful than bullets. It then has Unlimited Power. “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” – Martin Luther King, Jr “Through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can’t murder murder. Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can’t establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can’t murder hate. Darkness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that… Difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future. When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows. Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” – Dr Martin Luther King Jr “I believe often we greatly underestimate our potential and resources. We have it all within to do anything; but when we feel weak and don’t think we have anything left to give, then all we need to do is ask in prayer. You will receive wisdom , strength, imagination and creativity you never knew you possessed from without, from a Higher Power, your Creator… and then nothing is impossible to you and God.” The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you…and the often seemingly difficult or even “impassible”) path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies within you. – craig “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.” – Nelson Mandela And we are all connrected by our common thread of humanity, no matter where in the world we may live (“I am what I am, because of what we all are”). “One man can make a difference.” – Robert Kennedy “But what can a ‘mere I’ do, God? …and the good Lord replied… “I made you!” So… “To build a better world… just build a better YOU.” Craig Lock “Let there be Peace on Earth Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me, Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God as our Father, brothers all are we, Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now, With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow, To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me!” – C. Bailey-Lloyd (“beaut words”, Caroline!) PS: LOVE is the greatest and most powerful force in the world; so shine your own unique bright light on an often darkened world …in a spirit of living at the highest level of humanity. About the submitter: Craig likes to share information and insights to encourage others to be all they are capable of being (without being too serious and with “dashes” of humour). He’d love to try to ‘build bridges’ (not wooden or metal ones, thank goodness!) between people, firmly believing that what we share is way more important than what divides us. He truly believes in the great potential of people and their humanity to make a better and more peaceful world. http://www.craiglockbooks.com The various books that “Craig felt inspired to write” are available at:www.creativekiwis.com www.lulu.com/craiglock http://www.webng.com/writernz/ and www.myspace/writercraig “When the world is filled with love, people’s hearts are overflowing with hope.” – craig “Blessed are the peace-makers… because they’ll accumulate plenty of Frequent Flyer points Uplifting, encouraging and empowering people through the power of words and thought energy. One person, one mind at a time, change YOUR world and you help change THE world… for the better” THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED.


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