Can one be both warlike and peaceful? This was the subject of the conference that took place on February 28th 2019 at New Acropolis Paris’ School of Practical Philosophy. The event brought together approximately 80 people to listen to Fernand Schwarz, Director of New Acropolis in France, in a studious atmosphere with a tinge of humor. Fernand Schwarz, born June 4, 1951 in Buenos Aires is philosopher, anthropologist and author of many books on Egypt, symbolism, mythology or sacred geography.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) is also known as Mahatma (“great soul” in Sanskrit). This lawyer was a spiritual guide for India and played a major role in the movement for the independence of the country through the establishment of civil disobedience based on non-violence. He later inspired many liberation and civil rights movements, as well as many theorists and political leaders around the world.
Through many anecdotes about the life of Gandhi, the speaker transmitted lessons still very current. Indeed, Gandhi was very critical of the Western system. He himself needed phases of contemplation and action in his life and felt that real inner work was needed to change the world. According to him, Man had to be able to restrict himself to the use of available resources in his immediate environment and not to try to possess, at all costs, things he did not need.
Three principles have presided over Gandhi’s life. The first was his personal discipline. The second was Ahimsa, which means “do no harm”, and is perhaps one of the most beautiful ways to practice Love. He said, “There are many causes for which I am ready to die, but none for which I am ready to kill “. The third principle was to serve a just cause, a cause that engages us and allows us to overcome our limitations.
Gandhi was a man who spent his life meeting people in order to restore their trust, so that they could regain their deep humanity and dignity. He was convinced that a man, by changing his own attitude, could become an actor of change around him.
It is then up to each of us, to also be the change we wish to see in the world.