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Cosmopolitan Spirituality and the Canadian Dream Foundations for a Progressive Humane Society and Global Peace in the International community Cosmopolitan, unlike other political parties in Canada, is based upon a commitment to progressive spiritual principles, that had inspired Tommy Douglas, who championed universal public healthcare in Canada. References to religious quotations cited by Cosmopolitan, are listed in the book by Jeffrey Moses entitled 'Oneness: Great Principles Shared by All Religions'.
Avoiding Canada's de-evolution to Mammon Canada can be viewed to have been descending into a milieu of prevailing service to Mammon, as the society drifts away from previously evolving civic-spiritual commitments to its citizen-participants. Documented Biblical wisdom has recognized mammon as a force of "dystopia". It is notable that the pursuit of "utopia" strives to uplift humankind to a human condition of spontaneous peace, equality, and social justice towards a "Promised Land in association with the fulfillment of a Kingdom of virtuous existence In contrast, "dystopia" is the exact opposite. Notably the accommodation to 'Mammon' is a condition that accompanies "dystopia". The arrest of human enablement is one of its features. The pursuit of "mammon", instigates artificially contrived conflict in order to divide, conquer, and enslave "the masses", i.e. humanity. As articulated by spiritual wisdom that includes the Bible, and other sources from diverse religions, the pursuit of Mammon is a force that engenders venality. This venality, is associated with the pursuit of selfish-advancement and materialism, at the expense of humanity as a whole, and of nature. The domain of "Mammon" seeks to substitute values of social ethics, in favour of its own bleak order. The pursuit of Mammon seeks to destroy nature, as it enslaves humanity, in order to satiate its pursuit of "material prosperity", and power, that it can never fully satisfy. Mammon is NOT a person, institution or government as such. Instead, it is a "dystopic" ideological system or reference context, that if allowed to become further entrenched in human civilization, will vanquish it eventually, leaving an impoverished lunar-like landscape in its own rabid image. The presence of Mammon is revealed not on its words of professed "goodness" or "piety, but on its dystopic deeds. Where there are instigated and tolerated wars, repression, oppression, social malaise including homelessness, human-made systematized destruction of nature, pollution, racism and other institutionalized discrimination; Mammon is the guidance context. The extent to which accountants report on commercial profit-making, from a cycle of instigated human suffering and health problems, Mammon is the driving force -- as overlooked circumstances are indifferent to fulfillment of an environment of virtuous existence. Service to Mammon. is a force that is without compassion or empathy. It thrives on such malevolence as hatred and deceit. It uses materialistic values to create a culture of self-absorption, venality, and vanity, in order to instigate social control, rather than social justice, Service to Mammon is indifferent to the destruction of nature that humans depend upon for their quality-of-living. Through failure to look at the destruction of the natural environment service to Mammon aims to justify the pursuit by the "masses" of an elusive "material prosperity" that they will unlikely ever attain. Eventually, the "masses" sink to an ever greater social despair which motivates crime, and other atrocities, as individuals attempt to hasten the pursuit of an elusive "material prosperity" that will only ever be available to an elite, relative to the increasing multitudes of the "masses. The forces that are in pursuit of Mammon do not seek wealth in wisdom and in health, but in proselytizing that motivates individuals in an artificial need to accumulate trinkets, to support a culture of exploitation that service to Mammon thrives upon. The culture of support for Mammon vaults the implicit "survival of the fittest" context of "market growth benefits" irrespective of social and environmental costs that critically effect the pursuit of a high quality of survival. The leading cadres in support of Mammon will evoke the righteousness of its Crusades to distract "the masses" via wars, even though securing a sought material prosperity for its clique, is its primary target.
Supporters of Mammon view no inherent beauty and intrinsic value in nature and in the diversity of life that its supports. These promoters of Mammon view nature as having value, only to the extent that it provides raw materials to support a lust for its short-term horizons of insatiable material self-advancement.
Cosmopolitan is Canada's only officially cross-cultural political party. We believe that the renaissance of Canada can be achieved by embracing the wisdoms of the cultural heritages of Canadians of all backgrounds, in the nation-building of a progressive society. These cultural heritages include the spiritual values expressed in the religions of diverse Canadians. Cosmopolites support the idea of a people as being a citizen of their sovereign nation, and also being a "citizen of the world". Cosmopolites embrace social ethics in association with the promotion of human rights in Canada and internationally; and also the protection of interdependent global ecosystems. These ecosystems are vital to the quality-of-life globally. The political values of Cosmopolitan, are reinforced by progressive spiritual values. The embracing of these wisdoms in support of the renaissance of Canada as a dynamic cosmopolitan community, can be achieved by the elimination of bigotries among Canadians. Multicultural policy in Canada must go beyond fostering the maintenance of ethnic enclaves in Canada. Multicultural policy must support the fostering of a cross-cultural community, as a progressive role model for the world, and that can provide the foundation for a cosmopolitan community. The progressive spiritual values expressed in many of the worlds best known religions provide wisdoms which support bringing Canadians of all backgrounds together as a model cosmopolitan community. Progressive spiritual values refer to those values which are specifically based upon a system of social justice, human rights, diversity, empathy, compassion, equality in relation to community. "G-d hath made of one blood all nations of men" - Christianity "All are sons and daughters of G-d, good people all, Brothers and Sisters, since created by One Father. No rooted difference is there between them" - Hinduism "Have we not all one father? Hath not one G-d created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother?" - Islam "Do not forget that the world is one great family... Regard Heaven as your father, Earth as your mother, and all things as your brothers and sisters" - Shintoism
"G-d is the Father, Earth the Mother. With all things and in all this, we are relatives" - Sioux nation
Cosmopolitanism emphasizes intrinsically not harming others. "Act always with loving kindness, "says Buddhism. "Absence of hurtfulness is the ideal," states Hinduism. "Non-injury is the highest religion," Jainism proclaims. "Love does no wrong to a neighbour," declares Christianity. "Let a person withhold from doing harm to others," Islam expresses. "Fight with no weapon but the word of G-d; use no means but pure faith," asserts the scriptures of Sikhism. Government ignores such premises to the peril of human civilization, whether in Canada, or internationally. As government becomes taken-over by the apparent priorities of an elite, ensuing policies reflect that apparent elitism. The decline of Canada's valued social programs can be traced to a growing mentality among a political Establishment. This political Establishment has substituted its former enlightened progressive "Christian" commitments to at least aspire to act in a socially responsible manner, and now operates in a manner which tries to cynically rationalize socially unjust policies. There is no moral excuse for the continued execution by government in Canada, of public policies, which cause harm to Canadians, or to other people internationally. Cosmopolitan supports a moral commitment by government not to cause harm to Canadians via negligent social, environmental, economic, or other policies or legal enactments. "Do not hurt others, do no one injury by though or deed, utter no word to pain thy fellow creatures." - Hinduism "Hurt none by word or deed, be consistent in well-doing" - Buddhism "Be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as G-d for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." - Christianity "One should do no harm to any living being, neither by thoughts not words nor acts." -- Jainism "Show kindness and mercy each to his brother" - Judaism
"There should be neither harm nor reciprocating of harm" - Islam
The world's scriptures were written long before the earth was burdened with the intense levels of environmental pollution that we have today. Even so, each religion emphasizes the importance of preserving the indigenous resources and beauty of our plan .. Our very existence depends upon the normal, healthful interaction of many different levels of the natural world -- ranging from the smallest microbes to the vastness of the seas and atmosphere, When nature is defiled, every person ultimately suffers. For this reason, religions have expressed that nature should be preserved, and that we must be aware and responsible for our interactions with the earth. When people understand the religiously expressed universality of their own inner nature, they can live harmoniously with the rest of the natural world. Existential interdependence is the basis for care of our planet. "The earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs... receiveth blessing from G-d." - Christianity "Do not contaminate the water. Do not thrown your waste or leftover food into rivers and lakes. In this way, you guard the lives of all living beings abiding therein." - Buddhism "There is no Muslin who planeth a tree, or soweth a field, and man, birds or beasts benefit from them, but it is charity for him." - Islam "Take only what you need and leave the land as you found it" - Arapaho Nation "Care should always be taken of trees and forest because of the many healthful effects they have for mankind" - Hinduism
"If the seasons of agriculture be not interfered with, the grain will be more than can be eaten. If close nets are not allowed to enter the pools and ponds, the fish and turtles will be more than can be consumed. If the axes enter the hill-forests only at the proper times, the wood will be more than can be used." - Confucianism
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is asked, "Who is my neighbour?" That question is just as relevant to us today. In reply this question, Jesus related the parable of the Good Samaritan, who goes out of his way to help an injured man, even though of a different faith. In this parable, Jesus states directly and simply that all people are our neighbours, and are worthy of respect and assistance -- whether members of one's own religion or of any other. Similarly, in the Hadith sayings of Islam, Mohammed says, "Assist any person oppressed, whether Muslim or non-Muslim." And Vyasa declares in the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism, "He whose love is alike to friend and foe... that man is dear to Me [G-d]." "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" - Judaism "A new commandment that I give to you; That you love one another; even as I have loved you... by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - Christianity "A man obtains a proper rule of action by looking on his neighbour as himself." - Hinduism "Full of love for all things in the world, practicing virtue in order to benefit others, this man alone is happy." - Buddhism "Seek to be in harmony with all you neighbours; live in amnity with your bretheren." - Confucianism
"No one is a believer until he loves for his neighbour, and for his brother, what he loves for himself" - Islam
In today's world, it is vital to understand that disagreement and conflicts cannot be social or ethically be resolved through force. The attempt to conquer others through force represses, oppresses, and imprisons them.. It does not redress a human desire for social justice in the mutual human quest for a high quality of survival. Redressing conflict caused from a failure to redress fundamental social justice, with added force, increases tension and inevitably gives rise to even greater animosity. The attempt to conquer others with force thus spawns a cycle of retribution against one another, and an ensuing culture of civil strife and violence. Love, in contrast is a unifying force, which reinforces an environmental of mutuality, empathy and compassion that is vital to supporting creative relations in a synergistic community. "Repay evil with good and, lo, he between whom and you there was enmity will become your warm friend" - Islam "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." - Christianity "When one injures another, the injured turns around and injures the injurer. Similarly, when one cherishes another, the other cherishes the cherisher. One should frame one's rule of conduct according to this." - Hinduism "A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stirs up anger" - Judaism "Conquer your foe by force, and you increase his anger. Conquer by love, and you will reap no after sorrow." - Buddhism
"Force, no matter how concealed, begets resistance" - Lakota Nation
When people live in the awareness that there is a close kinship between all individuals and nations, peace is a natural result. Peace can come, only as a result of concern and understanding for others. It can never be brought about by superficial negotiation or temporary agreement to end conflict. The thousands of peace treaties that have been signed and broken throughout history, helps testify to the artificial nature of such "truces". "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of G-d." - Christianity "Shall I tell you what acts are better than fasting, charity, and prayers? Making peace between enemies are such acts; for enmity and malice tear up the heavenly rewards by the roots." - Islam "The noble minded dedicate themselves to the promotion of peace and happiness of others -- even those who injure them." - Hinduism "To the counsellors of peace, is joy" - Judaism "When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love" -- Bahá'í
He heals divisions, and cements friendships; seeking peace and ensuring it, for in peace is his delight, and his words are ever the words of the peacemaker.: - Buddhism
All actions have potentially far-reaching ramifications. "Unfathomable is the course of action," says the Bhagavad Gita, the most beloved Hindu scripture. Because of this, we should be aware at all times that everything we do eventually would have an effect upon our loved ones and ourselves. The diverse major religions express a spirituality which affirms that those who want to live in peace must give peace to those who would war against them. Those who want respect for their own traditions and cultures most show respect for the traditions and cultures of others. Those who desire security must be sensitive to not interfering or undermining the security of others, including the subversion of basic human rights.
"Thou canst gather what
thou
dost not sow; as thou dost plant the tree, so it will grow" -- Hinduism
'Love your enemies' is a central principle of cosmopolitan spirituality. Jesus instructed his followers not only to love those who love them, but those who do not. Mohammed stated that we should do good not only to those who do good to us, but also to those who oppress us. And Vyasa, in Hindu scripture the Mahabharata, insisted that all people should love both friend and foe alike. Without an empathetic existential association with one another, even petty grievances can escalate into intransigent confrontations driven by hatreds and bigotry. Resolution appears to become impossible in a milieu of antipathy that is fuelled by an endless cycle of retribution. By becoming aware of our common heritages, and seeking unity in diversity in association with a Cosmopolitan Human Race, we can evolve beyond the limited vision that results in conflict.
"Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you" - Christianity
Wisdom is More Precious Than Riches Cosmopolitan recognizes that an emphasis on government public policy that supports "material prosperity" in short-sighted, and anathema to sustainable quality-of-living objectives. "Riches are not from an abidance of worldly goods, but from a contented mind." - Islam "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust dost corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. By lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Christianity "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding than silver!" - Judaism "The real treasure is laid up by a man and woman through charity and piety, temperance and self-control... The treasure hid is secure, and does not pass away."
"Knowledge is the best treasure that a man can secretly hoard in life. Learning is the revered of the revered. It is learning alone that enables a man [and woman] to better the conditions of his [or her] friends and relations. Knowledge is the holies of the holies, the god of gods, and commands respect of crowned heads; shorn of it man is but an animal" - Hinduism.
Man... and Woman... Does Not Live by Bread Alone Cosmopolites recognize that the "market" is an insufficient axiom on which to base the determination of the economic direction of society. Cosmopolites recognize that an economy must serve people, instead of people serving an economy comprising of "market forces". The market is a regime of commercial operations. However, Cosmopolites recognize that Man... and Woman... Does not Live by Bread Alone. Accordingly, we embrace a "People-Centred" economy, rather than the current "market-centred" economy. In such a "People-Centred" economy, public policy is developed to serve people, in pursuit of their heightened quality-of-survival. In such an economy, the alleviation of poverty, including homelessness, the alleviation of pollution, and the provision of public healthcare access irrespective of personal access to financial resources, is not a marginal or irrelevant consideration as in the market economy, but is rather, a primary consideration. Bread cannot satisfy spiritual hunger. Yet that yearning often goes unrecognized. The seeking of meaning and fulfillment in worldly possessions in itself, neglects the sustenance in human souls. The fullest expression of the Divine, could be viewed to be found in loving relationships between people. Life is nourished by kindness; by concern for others; by forgiving; by sharing; and by caring for all of G-d's creatures. We do not live by material bread alone. We live by a deeper power; one that creates and supports all the functions of life. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of G-d." - Christianity "Man lives not by material bread alone." - Hinduism "Make divine knowledge thy food" - Sikhism
"Man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord" - Judaism
Economic development which vaults alleged growth from the wasteful production of consumer goods associated with "conspicuous consumption" is leading to the senseless destruction of ecosystems, which human being depend on in their pursuit of a high quality-of-survival. "Do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them." - Christianity. "G-d provideth everyone with his daily food why, O man, art thou afraid?" - Sikhism "Contentment is the greatest wealth" - Buddhism "A tranquil mind gives life" - Judaism
"Contentment is the root of happiness and discontent is the root of misery." - Hinduism
Charity is an integral part of the modus operandi of a society that is based upon constitutional principles of social justice. Prevailing news coverage and documentaries on television, radio, and articles in newspapers provide reminders of the economic disparity between nations and people. "Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins," expresses Christianity in the Holy Bible. The institutionalization of charity in domestic and international affairs corresponding to a broadening human empathy in an international community of nations, would support a political will for the immediate alleviation of poverty globally. Poverty persists in areas subjected to relative antipathies to the human condition, as a result of racisms, and other bigotries. "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." - Christianity
"Charity belongs to the most honourable nobility of Heaven, and is the quiet home where man should dwell." - Confucianism.
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"The world is my family" says the Maha Upanishad, a Vedic scripture of Hinduism, with an oral tradition dating back more that six thousand years. Cosmopolitan recognizes that the basis of a progressive humane society and global peace in the international community pivotally include understanding, compassion, forgiveness, charity, and assistance in every way to others as fellow human beings.
Cosmopolitan supports a moral commitment by government to 'preserve the Earth'. There is no moral excuse for government to execute economic policies which squander our environment at enormous social costs to the pursuit of a high quality-of-survival. Cosmopolitan recognizes that government, at all times, must act in a moral manner as a covenant with people, to uphold the principles of social justice in a participatory democracy. It is not sufficient for government to rationalize decisions on the basis of the alleged "forces of the market", which cause harm and suffering on human and other life, that are mutually interdependent in linked global ecosystems.
Cosmopolites embrace the "loving of thy neighbour" that fosters a climate of empathy toward amicable relations between citizens locally, and between whole peoples and nations toward global peace, and Human Development. Such an environment will be more constructive to the quality-of-living in Canada, and globally, than one that is predicated on depleting valuable resources on the absence of healthcare, and on attempts to engage in military conflict.
Peace has been ubiquitously sought by diverse peoples throughout history. It has been the goal of laws, religions, and in politics. "Seek peace and pursue it," proclaimed the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. "Have peace with one another," spoke Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. "If thine enemy incline toward peace, do you likewise incline towards peace," states the Holy Qur'an.
Envy drives human beings
to compete with one another in a manner that undermines the integrity
of environmental ecosystems that human depend upon on the quality-of-living.
Contentedness is one's own health and living is the basis of a temperament
which will alleviate the destroying of ecosystems in a drive for materialistic
self-aggrandizement.
