Jan 1 Tip: Take a Vow of Nonviolence

January 1 Compassionate Living Tip from Interfaith Paths to Peace

This year rather than making a New Year Resolution, why not take a "Vow of Nonviolence"

The command to treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated is central to most of the world's great religions. At the core of this idea is the concept of non-violence.  The practice of active non-violence is an antidote to the violence that poisons our world with war, pours blood into the streets of our cities, and causes anguish in our families. Publicly embracing non-violence is a beautiful way of affirming our commitment to treating others as we want to be treated.

2013  Vow of Non-violence

Recognizing the violence in my own heart, yet trusting in goodness and mercy, I vow or solemnly affirm that I will strive to live a life of non-violence by:

~     Striving for peace within myself and seeking to be a peacemaker in my daily life

~     Showing love, compassion and forgiveness to everyone I meet

~     Accepting suffering in the struggle for peace and justice rather than inflicting it

~     Refusing to retaliate in the face of provocation and violence

~     Persevering in non-violence of tongue and heart

~     Living conscientiously and simply so that I do not deprive others of the means    to live

~     Striving to treat the natural world not as a resource but rather as a beloved member of my family, and

~     Actively resisting evil and working nonviolently to abolish war and the causes   of war from my own heart and from the face of the earth.

Signature______________________________________     Date______________

NAME (please print):___________________________________________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS:__________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________________

CITY:_______________________________________   STATE:_______   ZIP CODE:______________

Please return completed form to:

Interfaith Paths to Peace, 425 S. 2nd Street, Louisville, KY 40202