2023 International Conference of Chief Justices of the World
Conscience: The Ship to Save the World and the Compass to Guide Us Toward a Sustainable Future
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
Vice President of the Association of World Citizens,
NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC and Associated with the UN DPI
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love
November 05, 2023
Dr. Gandhi, Distinguished Guests, Justices, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
Good day!
The annual International Conference of Chief Justices of the World brings together heads of state, justices, judges, and leaders from all walks of life to selflessly share their practical experiences, research findings, and recommendations. The unwavering commitment and strength rooted in our collective intention to better the world serve as a moral compass, akin to a GPS, guiding future generations along a luminous path of development. We understand that the road to freedom and human rights is never smooth. We pass through deserts, thorny jungles, scorching sun, dark nights, and fragrant fields. These symbolize the perseverance of those who endure hardships, the courage of their companions, the righteousness of those who extend helping hands and walk side by side with victims, and the boldness of those in power who are ultimately willing to listen to good advice and implement change. These actions are a testament to the nobility of human nature. There is hope when we stand up for the truth, and everyone here today plays a pioneering role in this noble endeavor.
Today, our world enjoys greater prosperity and advancement than any other point in human history. However, this progress has become unbalanced. If individuals persist in prioritizing their immediate needs and desires, extracting resources from the environment without consideration for the well-being of the majority, future generations, and all life on Earth, the precarious state of our planet will reach a point of no return. Climate change and environmental pollution have eroded the benefits of civilization. Wars and conflicts have destroyed people's homes, forcing millions of refugees to become homeless and even lose their lives; and the vicious cycle has led to frequent natural and man-made disasters, instilling fear and anxiety among living beings.
At this time, what can we do together for the world? First of all, I would like to invite all of you to join me in spending one minute praying for the world, praying for the dissipation of hatred, the end of conflict, the healing of wounds, the peace of all people, the awakening of conscience in everyone, and the swift arrival of peace! Now let us close our eyes, calm our hearts, and sincerely pray for everyone and the world for one minute. Please focus your thoughts and begin your prayer.
(One minute is up.)
Okay, please open your eyes. Thank you for the positive energy that you have sent.
While crises may be looming, they also present chances for constructive transformation. If we want to live in freedom without fear and create stability in the greater environment, we must start with the awakening of each person's conscience, honestly facing ourselves and listening to the guidance of our conscience. We can start with changing ourselves, creating positive opportunities and virtuous cycles, and uniting the forces of goodness. By doing so, we will create opportunities to change the world for the better.
Conscience is the ultimate divine judgment, and it is also the passport to Heaven. Conscience is innate; everyone is born with it. We must re-understand ourselves and allow our conscience to be truly awakened. We must apply our conscience and exert positive influences. Conscience is the basis for a good education and a positive economic cycle, and it is the key to the collective transformation of the world by global citizens.
Our world is in need of transformation, and we need to take action at all levels to provide real power for change for the benefit of all beings. Much like the movement of "An Era of Conscience," which FOWPAL has been promoting all over the world since 2014, we are popularizing the education of conscience at all levels of society. We are engaging in conscientious deeds in our daily lives to establish a virtuous cycle of thought and behavior, realizing our aspirations through actions. We are upholding our conscience and balancing the utilization of natural resources and the preservation of ecosystems, so that nature and humanity can coexist harmoniously and thrive, ultimately realizing the genuine goal of sustainable development.
When all people follow their conscience, the world will be at peace. Conscience is the foundation of peace and prosperity. A government should put the people first and adhere to the rule of law, and it should love and protect its people, administer its policies according to the law, implement human rights protection, and uphold the value of human rights. In the face of any encroachment on human rights by those in positions of authority, every global citizen needs to muster the courage to take a stand. This collective courage serves to unite global citizens against unjust practices, allowing them to distinguish right from wrong and to do what is right. This is the collective awakening of conscience among the global populace.
Using the analogy of a house, we can view the global constitution and international social conventions as the foundational pillars of both national and global security. Human rights serve as the essential building materials that reinforce the house. Meanwhile, lawmakers and law enforcers act as the skilled technicians responsible for preserving the house's structural integrity, strength, and stability. Their mission is to ensure that people are protected by the rule of law, enabling them to live and work in peace and contentment, while also harnessing their talents to contribute to society.
The law is a reflection of natural order, mirroring the laws of the universe and stemming from the divine order. Conscience stands as the ultimate judge within the cosmos. Human rights are of paramount importance, and acting in accordance with conscience is the essence and key to law-making and law enforcement. Law enforcement guided by conscience can actualize the law's original purpose: to encourage people to pursue goodness, rectify their errors, and uphold societal justice and national stability. This quality and aspiration also characterize law enforcement officials, ensuring the creation of a just legal environment and a nation governed by the respect for human rights, where citizens can live with peace of mind.
Wisdom is a powerful tool for conflict resolution. A wise leader embodies qualities like empathy, the ability to see situations from others' perspectives, and the prudence to safeguard human rights. Such a leader places the country's stability, peaceful progress, and a sustainable future as their primary focus. They fearlessly confront changes and challenges, opening channels for dialogue on matters of human rights and conscience, and governing with love and conscience in the best interests of the nation and the welfare of its people. A leader with these attributes is a wise one.
The power of kind or evil thoughts holds the key to the Earth's prosperity or decline, and the rise or fall of our world. A single virtuous thought is precious. By thinking positive thoughts, we can foster inner peace and harmony, unveiling the true value and meaning of life. This realization, in turn, can dissolve conflicts, promote unity and collaboration, and pave the way for sustainable development of the Earth. By following this path, the journey toward world peace becomes infused with hope and illumination.
A skyscraper is constructed from the ground up, and the integrity of any building greatly depends on the moral character of the people involved. Enhancing the moral fabric of individuals involves the power of cultural heritage because culture represents the enduring essence of a nation and serves as its fundamental lifeline. Promoting a culture of peace and conscience will awaken everyone's innate conscience and foster good deeds, so as to build a harmonious and stable society guided by conscience. It also serves as a driving force for the global transformation towards the ultimate objectives of world peace and the sustainability of our planet.
May conscience prevail on Earth.
May everyone spread guinea love with a sincere heart.
May the world be bathed in the light of dawn.
May our planet be blessed with peace.
May everyone be blessed with health, safety, peace, and happiness.
Thank you all!