Abstract

This article begins with issues related to ethnic conflict in the contemporary world. It points out that ethnic conflict seems to be ineradicable in the modern nation-state when the majority overrides the minority. As the malady of modern civilization, ethnic conflict becomes a hard nut to crack. Political scientists and politicians are busy working out in theory and practice to understand and cope with this socio-political collective violence. However, ethnic identity is not born naturally. In forming ethnicity, the deliberate construction of a homogenous ethnic memory is indispensable. Thus, knots of enmity between different ethnic communities could be untangled and a reconciliation of conflicting groups is possible. Samuel Huntington’s thesis on the clash of civilizations offers a grim vision of geopolitics based on conflict. However, human society needs reconciliation rather than antagonism to ensure a flourishing future. In this regard, Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence (ahiṃsā) movement against the British Raj mounts a political revolution in human history. In the spirit of non-violence, the lofty ideals of Daesoon Jinrihoe’s Haewon-sangsaeng (the Resolution of Grievances for Mutual Benficence) can be used as guidelines when dealing with ethnic conflict. As a peaceful and adequate foundation to unravel hostility among antagonistic ethnic groups, Haewon-sangsaeng would bring rapprochement without violence. If our civilization is to advance steadfastly, mechanisms which support diversified ethnic communities living together without grudges are warranted. To illustrate this point clearly, the ethnic conflict of Sri Lanka is used as an example. It is argued that majoritarianism must be renounced, and the fundamental human rights of minorities should be guaranteed in a democratic country to avert irreconcilable conflict. As a guiding principle, Haewon-sangsaeng can bring concord between conflicting ethnic groups when put into practice.