What do you think the role of individual transformation is in manifesting world peace?

Question

Is peace consciousness of a critical mass of people the answer?

Additional Details

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Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Transformation, or simply “change” is impossible for mankind to avoid. There is an evolution in this world, not only on a genetic level or cultural level, but of what I refer to as the “psychobiotic self”. Psycho referring to the psychology and symbolism which man uses to better cope with the overwhelming reality of his immergence and place and position in this world, and how it relates to his body, or “biotic” self and it’s eventual demise.

Man is constructed of two things. The first, and most simple is that of his body. A body which changes both because of the very biology and animalistic, inherent, traits that are programmed within it’s genome; but also changes because of necessity to delay the death process (IE, surgery, medicine, treatments, anything that extends the biology of the organism and idea of “health”) This is to further establish the second element of his being, the symbolic representation of man. To most of mankind, the biology and illusion of health is only a tool to which the man can master and control so that he has an extended period to develop the symbolic self. The symbolic self whom we try to immortalize after our biological entity has turned to worm meat or crematorium ash.

People go about doing this in different ways, this psychobiotic evolution as I put it. But each does so in a very individual way, which may or may not transform the world around him in yet another symbolic representation. And “peace” as you put it, is just another symbol or term that we use to represent a far greater idea. One that mankind has yet to agree upon as a worthwhile cause, in relation to the evolution of their psychobiotic self.

“Peace”, is really just a collective delaying of the end of the psychobiotic self. It is a theoretical state, in which all individuals accept and agree not to interfere with the evolution of all other individual attempts at mastery of the body, and the symbolic self. It is a group agreement to “Not inflict my own attempts at mastering my body and expanding my symbolic self, if you in turn do not thwart any of my efforts to achieve some sense of symbolic immortality before this biotic self of mine is returned to the earth. I will not interfere with your evolution, if you will not interfere with mine.”

I use the term “evolution”, as a synonym for change or metamorphosis. Any alteration or progression OR deterioration of both the body, and the symbol which man creates for himself. This is inclusive of “faith”, or the belief that your symbolic self will somehow transcend this observation or perception of reality. It will change, or evolve individually through understanding of the world around you, which again is unavoidable. Again, because of the biotic self and the finite nature of biology and how long our animal forms inhabit this existence. Our subtle realization of death, as proven by the likes of Otto Rank, Ernest Becker, and Norman O Brown among others, motivates us in ways which many are not entirely observant of, yet are there even without us consciously or truthfully admitting to or acknowledging clearly.

So the question to me is not the role of individual transformation in manifesting world peace; but can mankind agree upon what the symbol of peace represents and if so, how might this further or progress all mankind’s evolution of the psychobiotic self.

Will agreeing not to interfere with the development of individual attempts at making sense of cultural or personal symbolism, help man evolve or only divert it to another path of symbolic and biological consciousness? In other words, if everyone agrees to help delay the demise of our physical self or biotic self, how will this in itself change how man interprets his own existence and leaves symbols of his immortality?

If we are to remove the constant threat of physical destruction, will we have greater or less understanding of the symbols and psychology behind why we were so animate about destroying others symbols and biological form in the first place?

I suppose first we have to recognize and relate to what our own symbolic self is trying to represent currently. Which is where conflict is often initiated, both individually and world wide on the cultural, artistic, and religious stage. For example, if one were to say that “Deepak Chopra symbolizes the marriage between financial success and theological success”, some would wonder why I say this. Some would agree with me immediately, based on their own symbolic understanding of things. When one sees a man confidently smiling, wearing a pink (which some equate to homosexuality, others to confidence… i.e. the confidence of wearing a traditionally feminine color despite cultural taboo or beliefs) Ralph Lauren Polo shirt, with a golf club over one shoulder; they might think to themselves “Here is a man who has succeeded. He has money, which is represented by the logo on his shirt, known to be expensive. He has confidence, as one can interpret from body posture. But also, he has mastered his physical self. He is playing golf, a game known to be difficult because of the concentration of both mental and physical abilities.” One might think, or perhaps only myself “Here is a man aware of his psychobiotic evolution, and who seems to be mastering both his symbolism and biotic or physical self”.

Others interpretations of that image or symbol may differ based on culture, religion, exposure to your readings. Some just see a man. Some may see your race. Some may assume things based on your wardrobe. The interpretation of your symbol, varies on each individual’s understanding of symbols and what context or placement they have been given during the evolution of that person’s psychobiotic self.

Now with such a varying or “conflicting” interpretation of even one man, think how much larger and more widespread the interpretation of something as grand as “Peace” may be. Especially when you factor in the wide-spectrum understanding of symbolism that will differentiate from country to country, culture to culture, neighborhood to neighborhood, household to household, and person to person. With such a massive variation of understanding, and in many cases unwillingness to understand others, it will make it incredibly difficult to find a universal Symbol of any sort for individuals to agree upon.

Even my own interpretation of “Peace” may change, as I change throughout my own evolution. With constant change and metamorphosis and alteration of self , both symbolic and biological; to anchor oneself to any singular definition of things seems both alluring and impossible at the same time. Universal symbolism, cross cultural understanding, peace consciousness of a critical mass… these are overwhelming, and currently only hypothetical situations to which man is only touching upon in understanding. Both the ramifications of, and how they will directly change or evolve man himself in his individual evolution.

I believe, man must first deconstruct symbolism. We must be aware of what everything represents, before we can hope to ever gain any universal understanding of each other. Only if all symbols equal the same thing, can all of man truly see each other with some degree of truth and ultimate awakening or understanding of each other’s psychobiotic self. Then perhaps, with understanding of each other’s symbols, and the finite timeline we all have biologically to work on our own attempt at symbolizing something truthful and aware, we MIGHT be able to work on constructing a general definition of “Peace”.

And have reason both individually, and collectively, to maintain it for the sake of each other, and the greater definition of what that symbol of PEACE might represent.

Answer 2

I think peace is entirely about the individual. Its only when people can be at peace with themselves that they'll understand how to really foster peace with others.

Answer 3

individual role is very pivotol if we are not going to change our selves as our friend or neighbour will do good deeds...and if every onethinks the same than wht will be a situation of earth is well imagined

Answer 4

well i feel it's to gain inner peace yourself. If more people in the world had inner peace, there would be less hate, violence and intolerance. I do feel however, that inner peace is not easily found and therefore the solution to the problem is not an easy one.

Answer 5

If true peace is to ever exist then each individual must be commit to that goal. Peace can be maintained through force for a limited time but that type of peace cannot last. Each individual must also be committed to the concept that no one should cause damage or loss to another individual.

Answer 6

I don't think it's really about individuals. The government will find an enemy for us no matter how at peace people are with themselves. Individuals don't create wars, governments do, and governments don't really want peace. There's money in war.

Answer 7

I think you have to work with what you have...we have the self. Peace starts with each of us...as we transition to more peacful individuals our little piece of the world transitions as well. We are examples to others and if we can be the peace we desire perhaps others will be inspired to make changes in their own lives.

Answer 8

it is the first step--having personal peace consciousness and developing it within oneself. however, i don't think it's enough. too many people think that if they've got themselves together then their work is done--the next step is to share that process with the people you come into contact with so that they likewise can set themselves upon the path to peace.

Answer 9

like ghandi said, "be the change you want to see in the world"

Answer 10

individuals do not and have not caused a significant transformation of nations or "the monster of civilzation"

"A system is it's lack of integrity" F. N. - civilzation is a system and has proved itself - very few people declare war on others, nations/religions(systems)do - and people kill even when they really don't want to, or otherwise wouldn't for some distorted cause that in the end diminishes the true individual and their ability to have a transformative effect on a large scale. A system takes on a life of it's own beyond the individual.

The world is a Monster of Energy . . . .

Source(s):

history, including yesterday ;)
"the Crowd" french author ?

Answer 11

Inividual transformation is the most essential part of attaining world peace. If the individuals are not at peace, even if peace were to be attained it coulsd not be maintained.

Answer 12

Wars will go on till men refuse to fight.

nuff said

Answer 13

In deep down i feel like doing something against corruption. But i don't cos i m a sell fish. But what i do is, donate red cross and help individuals regularly. I want to help three person a day. but i don't do that regularly cos i m mean too.

Answer 14

if each person across the planet would wake up each morning and say, 'i am not going to harm anything or anyone or myself today; i am going to smile and help someone feel better today-- every society would instantly be paradise.

Answer 15

Individual transformation is essential to world peace. But we can not change unless we know where we are wrong, how we are effecting eachother. If people keep offending and hurting eachother, the revenge and anger is cycle never ending. Accepting and owning our wrongs, admitting we are wrong and forgiving those that wronged us is the beginning of inner peace. From inner peace it can branch out to peace in our dewellings to peace between nations.

Answer 16

yes i think so

Answer 17

As long as there are two humans on the earth there will never be true peace.

Answer 18

Individual efforts aside. Until are society and others learn to accept differences and perhaps most importantly divorce religion from local, state, federal, and national politics we will never have peace on any of these levels.

Answer 19

we are all called to be salt and light if we are, then we at least offer that to the world everyone has a free will we can lead by example and offer influence and we are called to be peacefull and we can find inner peace through Jesus Christ happy Easter

Answer 20

The role of individual transformation is the beginning point in manifesting world peace. Individuals must reach peace within themselves before there will be any type of global peace. We cannot love, accept or respect the differences of others without the ability to do these things within ourselves. We must learn to see people for who they are, rather than what they are. This is not maturity, but enlightenment.

Peace consciousness is a contagion. Just like a virus, a mind-set shared by some will, in time, become shared by many. Keep it going long enough and it will become an antibody against prejudice which, in the beginning, middle and end is the primary cause of the chaos in our present day world. 'Pay it forward'

I hope you like my answer as much as I like your question. Thank you
Robin


Edit: Had to correct a word

Answer 21

One man stood in front of a line of tanks...and captured the imagination of the world.

Answer 22

I feel it is of the utmost importance and the essential ingredient. For if there is no individual transformation then there can be no transformation at all. If transformation of the state of our world is to take place then it must start with the individual. In order to truly accomplish this I have to become totally aware of my effect on the world around me. Whether it be effects on the Quantum World as discussed on "What the Bleep do We Know" and by the work of Dr. Emoto or the physical, emotional, and energetic effect we have on people around us. Those at the Impact Trainings said it best for me when they stated "If it is to be it is up to me" the ultimate reference to personal transformation indicating that everyone must take a stand for their own space and contribution as they cannot count on any one else to do it. For if my neighbor is being a positive contribution to the world and I am not then true world change cannot take place and his effort lessened by my lack of effort. True WORLD peace involves us all and can only be accompished when we ALL come together individually to bring about change

So stop and take a look at how you affect the world around you through your thoughts, actions, perspectives, expectations, judgements and attitudes and if you truly would like something different then make it happen in your self for that is the place that it MUST start

Source(s):

www.whatthebleep.com
www.impacttainings.com
www.masaru-emoto.net

Answer 23

Change yourself and you will change the world.

Answer 24

These are very interesting terms you are weaving Sir. The way you describe things, well amazing,very transcendental of you. The only thing that will manifest world peace is the heart felt prayers of a people crying out to their God. Then we can all reach that critical mass together. A love-in alone without God is loveless,meaningless, and contributes to the upheavals of the world. Selfishness,hopelessness,hate are the enemy... Nothing the brain can control will be affective,for without the spirit / soul from within, we are mere flesh and blood on a time limit. Sound flowery too :) May the Lord richly bless you Dr. Deepak Chopra, meet you where you are Peace!

Source(s):

"Love is an action,not a reaction"
"We are all ImperfectVessels,we all stand naked under our clothes. We begin the same end the same. BIRTH, then DEATH. It is what you do with the Middle that counts,LOVE one another, as You Yourself Wish to be LOVED. We are all in the Circle of life Together, let us live like it! ImPerfect VeSsels™ ©~"

Answer 25

world peace?..firstly..the lack of peace is caused by the complete destruction of the human psyche,which began when humans searching for a so called GOD. FOUND RELIGION..all religions are false..its strange but do you notice how violent zealots of these religions are when threatened with exposure?..science has completely prooven that the bible is only a compiliation of stories..mary was raped by god while engaged to joseph..jesus,s life was an exemplary one yes..but his teachings has done far more harm than good.eg.ireland,iraq.palestine,THE crusades,and present day america..religion is a crime..we as humans are spiritual beings.our physical selves are our homes.the spirit is intangible,invisible and imortal..until we see ourselves as we really are and not seek a god,(god is dog reversed) we will not find peace.the transformation necessary for world peace has to begin with the replacement of religion as the basis for all we are as humans..this dysfunctional existence is manifested daily on our newscasts.or rather in our media..our politicians have embraced theese falsehoods thereby almost legitimizing them..but most see the desease in the world and no answers in sight..they kill the messengers and brand them as radicals..john lennons IMAGINE..is a great place to start..dr deepak..i admire your work...thanks

Source(s):

JOHN LENNONS..IMAGINE, MY FREE MIND.

Answer 26

we must learn to accept all tolerance..when a person has done damage-(that is irreversable)-he must make peace with others, and those who he hurt should also make peace. no matter if the "bad seed" makes more trouble-(within tolerant levels)..being shunned and rejected is a terrible thing..
we shouldnt go to war against each other..we should shake hands and try hard to get along here..neutrality, civility and most of all-compassion is the key word in preventing any more conflicts
------------------------------
iam honored and humbled by
your presense Dr. Chopra. thank you for visiting us!

Source(s):

own personal experience

Answer 27

World peace is an impossibility. It's nothing more than a platform for Miss America.

Sure, it would be great if everyone took the time to learn to become more peaceful. But as imperfect beings, there's no way we could be peaceful all the time.

All it would take is someone having one bad moment and wham! the domino effect would kick in and no more world peace.

Which is not to say it wouldn't be great if, at the very least, EVERYONE practiced minding their own business and being polite. But that's a pipedream as well.

Source(s):

Observation

Answer 28

all that needs to happen is for every individual to decide that she or he is going to be more respectful to everything and everyone (not just humans) and actually do it. no one person needs to convince thousands of ppl, the choice to be a better person should come from within urself. if other someone told other ppl that they needed to act better, the ppl would call them hypocrites or something equally obnoxious. it's really simple in theory, but in real life it doesn't work that way.

Answer 29

When I read posts on this site, I see so much negativity, intolerance, hate, judgment, insecurity, etc. People who feel this way have lost connection to their humanity, and their ability to feel compassion for people who are not like them. If they could find this connection again, it would affect more than just themselves - it would affect everything and everyone in their lives. I think power lies more in the individual than most people realize.

Answer 30

Promote Peace, and abandon racism, mind our own business if not helping others, and just follow the 10 commandments. And YES to your final question ;)

Answer 31

Is it a numbers game? Nature suggests that where there are higher aggregates of the same cause there is victory. One person, however, can incorporate as many parts of the whole as is wished. Jesus, Martin Luther King, Napoleon, even Hitler all used this power of suggestion at the right (or wrong) time to galvanize the masses. I think it is a matter of timing, luck, and yes, the individual need to change. Once we individually see that we are hurting ourselves, we stop the blood. Then, if and when, we see the same problem we have experienced in others we can better help and assist. Individual transformation is a must in order to properly objectify the world we live in to make better judgments and align ourselves better with our higher selves' intention.
So, yes, I believe the more minds and hearts in tune with love and compassion, the more chance we all have at successfully acheiving that vision. If we all are thinking and feeling love and lovingness, there is no space or room then for hating, negating, or otherwise, berating.
Peace in the hearts of men is not far off, I think.
Love is the key. Desire for change and abundance is the propellant.

Source(s):

I want to thank you for all of your fine work. I work in the spiritual field and had an opportunity to see you once at the UW bookstore in Seattle. Of course, I am one of so many who appreciate all that you do to help guide a course of discovery and appreciation of the self. God continue to bless you, Deepak.