Beyond Religious Divides: Finding Unity in Diversity

Beliefs are merely ideas that can change with time

Universal Harmony and Peace

“You know, belief is something you need when there is no evidence for what you believe in. But when you experience something and have a rational explanation for it, you don’t have to believe it – because you know it.”

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Beliefs are fluid concepts that can evolve over time. It’s crucial to acknowledge that they are subjective interpretations or convictions held by individuals, susceptible to change due to personal experiences, new information, shifting circumstances, and exposure to diverse perspectives. This adaptability enables individuals to refine their viewpoints and understandings as they navigate life’s complexities. It is called intellectual evolution. Why should we let mutable beliefs dictate our interactions with others and risk fracturing society or fostering animosity?

In today’s world, religious differences often serve as barriers, dividing communities and fuelling misunderstanding. However, within these divides lies the potential for unity and harmony. 

In the video below, I go into the complexities of religious diversity and the journey towards understanding and acceptance.

Through thoughtful reflection and open dialogue, our aim should be to bridge the gaps that separate us and embrace the diversity that enriches our society.

Together, let’s uncover the common truth that unites us all, regardless of our beliefs and traditions.

In this brief journey, we’ll examine the divisive effects of beliefs, explore their complexities, and consider the potential for unity amidst diversity. As I take a short drive, I reflect aloud on the importance of transcending beliefs and cultivating understanding and acceptance to foster a harmonious society.

 

The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering’

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“Have you any respect for yourself?” – Osho

Learn this first step, and everything will soon start falling into place.

If this direct question of Osho does not pierce your inner self, nothing else can. Most people do not respect themselves but expect others to respect them!

Credit: Osho International

SBG 4:38
न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते |
तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति || ४ ३८ ||
na hi gnyaanena sadrisham
pavitra-miha vidhyathe
tath-svayam yoga-samsiddhah
kaalenaath-mani vindati (SBG 4:38)
There is certainly nothing more purifying than knowledge. He who is perfect in Yoga finds it in the Self in due course of time.

SBG 6:05
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् |
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः || ६ ५ ||
uddhare-daat-manaat-maanam
naat-maanam-avasaa-dayet
atmaiva hyaat-mano bandhur-
aatmaiva ripur-aatmanaha (SBG 6:05)
You must lift yourself with your own mind and should not degrade yourself. The mind is a friend as well as the enemy of the Self.

SBG 10:20
अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थितः |
अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भूतानामन्त एव च || १० २० ||
ahamaatmaa gudaakesha
sarva-bhootaa-shayas-thitaha
ahamaadish-cha madhyam cha
bhootaa-naam-anta eva cha (SBG 10:20)
I am the Self, O Gudakesha (Arjuna), situated within all living entities. I am the origin, the middle and also the end of all beings.

SBG 13:02 (13:3 in some editions)
क्षेत्रज्ञं चापि मां विद्धि सर्वक्षेत्रेषु भारत |
क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोर्ज्ञानं यत्तज्ज्ञानं मतं मम || १३ २ ||
kshetrajnam chaapi maam viddhi
sarva kshetreshu bhaarata
kshetra-kshetrajnayor-jnaanam
yattat-jnaanam matam mama
(SBG 13:02)
You should know that the Kshetrajna or the embodied Self in all bodies or Kshetras is Me, O Arjuna. Knowing about the Kshetra and the Kshetrajnas is called knowledge.

Osho image: Courtesy https://oshoisyours.files.wordpress.com/