Selfishness is the roots of conflicts

Struggle, wars, colonial dominion, military and arm races were the aspects of twentieth century. Although in the beginning of twenty-first century we find ourselves at a truly historic turning point, but could make positive trends for everlasting World Peace as its needed. As a result twentieth century's dark and oppressive history of war and conflicts are repeating same and or different forms. ! Living in such womb, since 1995, I am looking a satisfactory answer and way of free. By observing some common incidences and these continuous repetitions, I was very serious to find the cause and solution. At last I have discovered and confirm my understanding about “peace and conflict” from the teaching of my Japanese Sensei. My finding, the root cause of conflict is “selfishness” and keyword for peace is, “selfless love” that refers to the motto “living for the sake of others”.

Because of the self centering views and practices of the nations, nowadays the United Nations, the global platform also can not be establishing the World Peace, but is the founding purpose. Although UN has made many important contributions for establishing peace particularly resolving the political conflicts. But the “peace” is not only political matters. The global consciousness not yet becomes dominated. The root cause is within the individual's personality, who are leading and or operating the functions.

My understanding, the selfishness is the root cause of conflict that must need to overcome. I agree with the true family philosophy, “Family is the school of love and relationship”. I believe, “one good family can make a good leader. It can be a central point to change a society, nation as well as World”. As the family is place for all kind of relationship, we can be considered, family is the mini government. However family is the fundamental unit of the society, as well as a training center to be good citizen by character education that one can easily conquer selfishness, and practices true love with total commitment.

What is a life of true love? Unification thought says, True Love is the spirit of public service which brings the peace, and root of happiness and prosperity. The essence of selfless love is to give, to live for the sake of others and holistic purposes. True love gives, forgive and forget with joy. So eventually it solves all conflicts positively with natural subjugation of offenders. In opposite, selfish love, that is the false love is the root cause of conflict, violence, restless, injustice, exploitation and suffering. Selfish love is the mask for the desire to have one's partner exists for one's own sake, continue until killing and or finish the chapter.

Not only in our political life, but also in our personal life, family life and societal life are attacked by the visible and invisible power, making conflicts. This negative power name, selfishness that directly or indirectly operative the individual and or group who makes trouble.

The conclusion, there would never be success in ignorance. We have to concentrate to resolve the conflict and have to consider the situation always objective view(s) centering on higher purpose beyond the selfish views. If we can not understand other's situation, and don't work for other, conflict will increased and grasp our life, society and country. The war, misunderstanding, violence, distrust, violence, exploitation, corruption, injustice never will stop.

Shahjahan Siraj
Editor, UnnayanNews

Dhaka, February 2007