Rising fear of a nuclear war

Recent developments in the world and statements emanating from leaders have rattled people across the globe and raised fears of humanity blundering into a nuclear war.

The dogged development of missiles and nuclear weapons by a regime that is regarded as reckless, and the attendant bellicose rhetoric from some prominent individuals, including talk or war, have created a sense of foreboding.

Nuclear weapons have long been considered tools of deterrence, and they are created with having prevented a third world war. Many nuclear strategists believe that the massive destructive power of nuclear weapons, and the likelihood of all participants in a nuclear war suffering near- total destruction, will prevent the use of these weapons and stop any armed conflict involving nuclear powers from escalating from escalating beyond a point.

Besides the direct destruction caused by nuclear blasts, the aftermath of a nuclear war can involve firestorms, widespread radiation sickness, a nuclear winter and consequent mass starvation due to disrupted agriculture. Studies suggest that environmental and economic damage form a nuclear war can cause societal breakdown and lead to the end of civilization as we know it.

That frightening prospect did, it seems, stop governments from resorting to use of these weapons, even at the height of the cold war. But the world is now more unstable them before, wracked by political and religious strife and buffered by economic and environmental upheavals. In these circumstances, the future of mankind looks uncertain.

The nuclear powers have stockpiled thousands of nukes, with a considerable number of them on hair-trigger alert. Mistrust and rivalry among them is a source of tension in international relations. One rash decision, miscalculation or accident is enough to spark a conflict that can spiral out of control and turn parts of the world into a radioactive wasteland.

It is understandable, therefore, when talk of nuclear war causes deep disquiet among ordinary people. Such a feeling is derived from what we know to be the likely result of such a war. But if we look beyond the immediate effects of a nuclear war and contemplate on what will come after the aftermath, we find reason for optimism.

Life has thrived on earth despite many different kinds of cataclysms that have occurred over the course of history. Man and nature adapted to changes and human ingenuity enabled us to use natural resources in new ways to make our lives more comfortable than ever before.

Destruction is an opportunity for renewal. It is easier to establish a new order after the old order has been swept away. Given the many intractable problems besetting the world, any large-scale change will present us the opportunity to begin with a clean slate and Crete a better future for mankind.

This is the massage of the cycle of time, which signifies a never-ending process of birth, growth, decay and renewal. Nature also follows this pattern, and that is how life thrives on our planet.

Talk of a golden age or golden past is an expression of mankind’s shared memories of an earlier time when man and nature lived in harmony with each other, in peace and abundance. As the passage of time worked its effect on souls and the physical elements, conditions in the world change and it this process of change that has brought us to our present situation.

Change is inheritable, but we can ensure that it is for the better if we equip ourselves with the tools with which we can create a happier future for ourselves and the entire human family. These tools are the qualities that requisite to happiness. Among them are peace, unity, truth and love.

The human soul can draw these qualities from the Father of all souls, the Supreme Soul. When the soul remembers the Father, the mental link acts as a conduit by which it gets His powers and virtues. These make the soul healthy, happy and whole again. When souls begin to act on the basis of these virtues they start to creator a new culture, a new world or happiness. This is how hell is transformed into heaven. This change first occurs in human minds, in our thoughts, attitudes and emotions, and hewn expressed in action, it bring about physical transformation.

The present time calls for should to return to their original, virtuous state and inspire others to do the same. This subtle movement for peace will bring about a peaceful world free of hostility, fear and conflict.