Religious harmony means a mutual respect and understanding, shared among the great diversities of religions across the globe. The word harmony means a state free from undesired conflicts and disorders. If a nation is said to be harmonious then that particular country should be devoid of internal strife, disharmony and misunderstandings.
Why is it vital for global peace?
At this juncture, we are dwelling in this very complicated world of unfathomable transitions in the field of science and ideas, where more and more contradictions arise out of misunderstandings. Spirituality and secularism are the two major classifications for dividing the entire world and its people. Secular power and its misuse had already resulted in numerous human casualties during the first half of the last century in the bloody First and Second World Wars. These are the results of powerful human beings’ abusive usage of their power over those powerless beings who share the same Mother Earth.
If we do not equally pay attention in the field of spirituality, then we are in the danger of holy wars which will lead to the same consequences as before. Regarding one’s religious system as superior to others, one tries to condemn other religious view points, leading to those problems of Jihads, Crusades and many other unfortunate incidents. Hence, it is the main duty for all the spiritual friends to consider these spiritual problems under good guidelines, so that we are not left with the awful burden of future regret. As per the statistical reports, a majority of the world’s population fall within the spiritual category. Thus, we can comprehend that they do follow the principles of their respective spiritual paths based on loving kindness, universal brotherhood, non-violence and so on. Therefore, if we can attain a global religious harmony by instilling a deep sense of universal brotherhood then the world will definitely cool down, opening the door of lasting peace and happiness. Hence, I think the religious harmony is imperative in maintaining global peace and happiness.
How can we accomplish this?
To accomplish this goal, we need not do anything extraordinary; the only thing we have to understand is the cause of the religious disharmony. As a matter of fact, the root of all such undesirable circumstances lies right within oneself, that is ego, the grasping at I as an omnipotent entity. Once you have this dreadful notion then the concept of I and you, mine and yours, ours and theirs, and we and they – very basis for every disharmony emerge. As one considers oneself and things related to one as important, he will definitely forget the wellbeing of others. So, here we can apply a simple logical method of minimizing importance of self, as the 14th Dalai Lama, the great leader of peace and happiness always asserts – As I desire happiness, so does every sentient being and as I do not desire suffering, no being desires to suffer. With this simple, truthful and logical notion, I think we can make great difference in our perception of other beings. This will ultimately lead to universal peace and harmony.
Though the nations of the world are constituted with different forms of faiths, we are all basically seeking the very goal of peace and happiness. This peace and happiness do not come from anywhere else, there is no question of gods or demons, but it solely depends upon the sort of atmosphere that we human beings create while dwelling in this world. If the cause is good, then the fruit it bears will be wholesome and beneficial while bad cause bear unwholesome outcomes. As the Newton’s third law states, “To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” We can achieve global religious harmony to improve the well-being of all sentient beings by broadening our understanding of the essence or the primary motive of all religions and finding a way to apply this in practical action.
Finally to draw towards the conclusion it is very important to revere every faith without any partiality, as each of them has a definite purpose meant for a particular group with a common karmic vision. According to the Buddhism condemning other religions is considered a violation of vows. So even if we are not able to respect other religions, let us at least refrain from criticizing them. As it is said, “Even if you can’t help others, at least do not harm others”. As living Buddha, H.H. Dalai Lama commits thus, “Till my death, I promise to promote human values and maintain religious harmony.” Let us all follow his golden words to make our Mother Earth a better place for tomorrow.
By Cheki Dorji
6th Year, NNI
