STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT 
GANDHI & KING: A SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE

His-Holiness, the Dalai Lama of Tibet 
in a personal conversation with Brother Wayne Teasdale 
September 16, 1997 Dharamsala, India

"I think the time has come to make it clear that nonviolence is the only way, the proper way, to solve the problems among humanity. Of course there are always conflicts, but peace, or nonviolence does not mean that we are indifferent to them just because we are friendly and sensitive to others, or seem passive.

We have to solve the problems of humankind. I am trying to solve some of these serious problems myself, by promoting nonviolence. I am doing this to show the right way, the nonviolent way to solutions on an individual level--on family, community, national and international levels. The promotion of nonviolence ultimately reveals the awareness of how destructive other so-called solutions are, and in the meantime, shows us a way out of violence. Through nonviolence we can see that it is possible to solve all our problems by means of dialogue. This is the truly human way to proceed.

I believe this is the right time to promote nonviolence in various ways and means. And it is our responsibility to do so. Both Gandhi and Martin Luther King are inspiring examples of the power and truth of nonviolence and the actions that arise from them. They not only embraced nonviolence in principle, but implemented it in action. Both gave their lives for this precious vision.

This Season for Nonviolence is a very good tool to remind us of their witness, but also of the large unfinished work we have together in transforming awareness on our planet."


UNESCO

"A letter dated 13 March 1997 was sent to you from Mrs. Francine Fournier, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, stating that UNESCO would be happy to be associated with this initiative honouring Gandhi and King as great defenders of non-violence."

- UNESCO: Head of the Division on Human Rights, Democracy and Peace

To Prof. Paul Smoker of Antioch University (member of UNESCO Peace prize Jury; with Prof. Linda Groff, International Peace Association coordinator for A Season for Nonviolence)


Dr. Robert Muller - University for Peace 
Universidad Para La Paz, Costa Rica

"I fully endorse the Season for Nonviolence, an important step towards a century and millennium of nonviolence which should be proclaimed by the United Nations during the world celebration of the year 2000."

- Dr. Robert Muller, Chancellor of the UN University of Peace; former Assistant Secretary General to the UN


Coretta Scott King

"In the 'Season for Nonviolence' Initiative, the Association fro Global New Thought has made a significant contribution to creating a more compassionate and peaceful world by educating people in the principles of nonviolence advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and other peacemakers."