Thinking peace and non-violence through a song

in one school through the Life Art Education, our teacher started an enquiry with the 2nd and 3rd Standard students about the concept of non-violence in the world around us and what it means to be peaceful.

The song Imagine by John Lennon was taught and later the teacher brought out the concept of positive prayer … If you can imagine a world at peace, with no denominations of religion—not with

out religion but without this my God-is-bigger-than-your-God thing.

The song writer’s  point that religion has brought more catastrophe and negativity into the world than chaos was highlighted. People have this preconceived notion that one religion is better than another. People should not be separated and prejudiced simply due to their beliefs. He envisions a world of peace

He is trying to say that  people should not be bounded by their country, politics, wars, etc. People should be “one” with each other and live in harmony

The song touches on two key aspects of “defining taste.” One can argue that the song has both explicit and implicit meanings. Lennon explicitly proposes a utopia without certain elements in our current world. Implicitly, one can argue that Lennon is jabbing at religion, government, and general greed. These things have often brought more bad into than world than they have brought good. In regards to the second aspect of who the song is designed to cater to: I think the song caters to everyone. The song really makes a person think about how peace can truly be achieved. Can we fully trust our religion and government that one day world peace can be achieved? One can argue that there isn’t a particular audience Lennon wants to address. Instead, he wants to address all people in the world.

It was heartening to see the enthusiasm and engagement of the children