This timely volume published in association with The Boston Research Center for the 21st Century is edited by Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, a professor of theological studies and director of the Peace Studies program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He notes in the introduction that ethnic conflicts have erupted all over the world and while there is much talk about nonviolence, very few groups are willing to practice it.
Thankfully, the nine different religious traditions covered in this helpful resource are in agreement about the validity of subverting hatred and practicing peace. Christopher Key Chapple discusses the rich meaning of Jainism's concept of ahimsa and concludes: "In order for nonviolence to be integrated into one's personal and interpersonal life and into work environments, one needs to investigate ways in which to foster virtuous conduct, cooperation, and communication."
Christopher S. Queen presents a succinct overview of Buddhist resources for nonviolent activism including lovingkindness, generosity, and wisdom as antidotes to the seeds of violence; the concept of the interconnectedness between all beings; and the practical curriculum of skillful actions for taming and transforming the mind. Tam Wai Lun believes that Taoism's wuwei (nonaction) can be understood as an alternative to violence and force. Rabia Terri Harris and Jeremy Milgrom assess the tradition of nonviolence in Islam and Judaism.
One of the many gems in this book is a prayer for peace by Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav: "There should be no hatred, jealousy, rivalry, triumphalism or pettiness between people, only love and a great peace, that everyone should experience love from one another, and be sure that each wants good to befall the other, and to love them and for them to succeed, so that all could come together and speak with each other and explain the truth to one another."