L R Bureau
RISE & REFLECT
From Conflict to Compassion
In an Age of Wars, the World Needs More Than Peace—It Needs Goodwill
Professor Dr. Ravindra Kumar ( Awarded Padma Shri)
Former Vice Chancellor, CCS University, Meerut;
Ombudsman/ Professor Chair Swami Vivekananda Research Centre
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut;
Advisor, Business Economics, Kolkata, India
ravindrwpmt@gmail.com; ravindrakumar5@hotmail.com
I have occasionally mentioned about Sadbhavana (goodwill) in many of my articles (as well as in some of my addresses at national-international foras). I have also sought to highlight the profound goodwill that lies at the heart of the followers of the Sanatana Dharma also in their day-to-day conduct and inspired by Indian ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, i.e., the whole world is one family. The Sanatana Dharma calls upon its followers to foster an atmosphere full of goodwill and harmony, with a commitment to human unity, global brotherhood, universal upliftment or welfare of one and all on the planet Earth. At its core The Sanatana Dharma offers the fundamental teaching of goodwill. Lokamangala, the welfare of all without any discrimination, is its the clarion call. Inclusiveness, therefore is the basic Mantra reflecting the Sanatana Dharma’s approach to goodwill, or the Vedic viewpoint related to it. Acceptance and honour or respect for others’ opinions, recognition of diverse paths, and harmony are the aspects of goodwill itself. Together these values make mutual goodwill both meaningful and practical on a broader scale. Goodwill and harmony are closely intertwined to each-other, both in their basic spirit and practical approach.
In brief, goodwill is primarily characterized by good intentions and a righteous spirit. It reflects one’s inner disposition. Harmony on the other hand encompasses both friendly relationships and mutual coordination. Harmony, however, is a practical and broader social expression of goodwill. It also involves a healthy social relationship and reflects mutual trust on a large scale, cooperation, and loyalty. The scope of goodwill is, undoubtedly, broader than that of harmony. However, both goodwill and harmony embody the spirit of sincerity and a positive outlook.
In the Sanatana Dharma, the concept of goodwill transcends humanity and attains a universal dimension. The goodwill concept of the Sanatana Dharma encompasses nature, the environment, the basic five elements, and all living beings. Everything, movable-immovable or visible-invisible, falls within the ambit of goodwill-oriented is vision of within the ambit the Sanatana Dharma.
For the smooth and harmonious functioning of the existence, from the individual to the universal level, goodwill lies at its core. Harmony with all beings is the fundamental spirit of goodwill. The principle of Ahimsa (non-violence), which is applicable universally, forms its foundation. Eventually, it provides a pathway that ensures people’s welfare. Further, it serves as a medium for collective welfare, rather than just individual benefits. Indeed true personal well-being is inseparable from the welfare of collective good. The opening Mantra of the Kathopanishad, which is dedicated to the welfare of the world through Guru-disciple harmony and mutual goodwill, expresses the same basic spirit:
“ॐ सह नाववतु/
सह नौ भुनक्तु/
सह वीर्यं करवावहै/
तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु/
मा विद्विषावहै//”
“Om Saha Naavavatu/
Saha Nau Bhunaktu/
Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai/
Tejasvi Naavadhiitamastu/
Maa Vidvishaavahai//”
The references appearing in Vedic-Upanishadic texts and the Shrimadbhagavadgita etc. “सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः; Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”, “असतो मा सद्गमय; Asato Maa Sadgamaya”, “सर्वभूतहिते रताः; Sarvabhuutahite Rataah”, “समदर्शिनः; Samadarshinah”, etc. are the proclamations of goodwill calling upon man to preserve harmony with fellow beings throughout life.
