"[R]eligions should primarily serve as pathways to inner peace and personal spiritual growth, rather than as justifications for separation or conflict." Very well said! I believe there's nothing inherently wrong with practicing a religion or belonging to a culture. The problem is when we stop realizing that we are humans first, and then adherents to a religion or members of a culture, and these identities start dividing us. Thank you for your always-insightful and loving writing.
Thank you for this beautiful and powerful message. Humans are the only species that knowingly and purposefully destroys its own habitat and environment. I hope that we can learn and embrace a better way from the natural world.
A quote from the son of the founder of the Baha'i faith:
. . . religion must be the mainspring and source of love in the world, for religion is the revelation of the will of God, the divine fundamental of which is love. Therefore, if religion should prove to be the cause of enmity and hatred instead of love, its absence is preferable to its existence.
Wonderful article! Thank you! You have great courage, Gurdeep, to say the things you say, such as in this article. I agree with you, especially where you say, “To progress toward a more harmonious world, we must actively embrace and welcome people from all religious backgrounds and countries without prejudice or suspicion. Our collective challenge is to develop the capacity to see humanity first, before religious labels or national identities.” Beautiful video! Looking forward to your next article!
Previously I used to primarily see diversity whereas now it is the division(s) that stand out demanding recognition in light of the scale of injustice and depravity. Unfortunately, the rare few naturally see humanity through a universal lens where equality by default would automatically apply to anyone. Without exception(s)! Instead our species continues to question whether an entire group of people or even babies! for that matter are truly innocent!?!
Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant and channel decency, dignity for all!
The problem is, the kind of energy and humanity you speak of is a two-way street. You can love everyone, but the truth is there are those who don't love you. These people you either defend yourself from, or you and your goodness perish for want of protection. No one can be virtuous and loving if s/he is dead from the hatred of those who do want to share your humanity. That is where the true sadness lies: in the truth about others. Can 8 billion people share your life-style? No. There really isn't enough resources, including love, to go around for there are so many who desire and demand so much.
"[R]eligions should primarily serve as pathways to inner peace and personal spiritual growth, rather than as justifications for separation or conflict." Very well said! I believe there's nothing inherently wrong with practicing a religion or belonging to a culture. The problem is when we stop realizing that we are humans first, and then adherents to a religion or members of a culture, and these identities start dividing us. Thank you for your always-insightful and loving writing.
Thank you for this beautiful and powerful message. Humans are the only species that knowingly and purposefully destroys its own habitat and environment. I hope that we can learn and embrace a better way from the natural world.
A quote from the son of the founder of the Baha'i faith:
. . . religion must be the mainspring and source of love in the world, for religion is the revelation of the will of God, the divine fundamental of which is love. Therefore, if religion should prove to be the cause of enmity and hatred instead of love, its absence is preferable to its existence.
(Abdu'l-Baha The Promulgation of Universal Peace)
www.bahai.org/r/356279711
Couldn’t agree more with you, dear Gurdeep! Beautifully written as always, such a powerful message! 🙏🏽
Beautiful sentiments & beautiful video! Thank you Gurdeep!🥰
Wonderful article! Thank you! You have great courage, Gurdeep, to say the things you say, such as in this article. I agree with you, especially where you say, “To progress toward a more harmonious world, we must actively embrace and welcome people from all religious backgrounds and countries without prejudice or suspicion. Our collective challenge is to develop the capacity to see humanity first, before religious labels or national identities.” Beautiful video! Looking forward to your next article!
A deeply profound post, Gurdeep. The video brought tears to my eyes. Also, you're dancing in my back yard and I think that's pretty cool.
Previously I used to primarily see diversity whereas now it is the division(s) that stand out demanding recognition in light of the scale of injustice and depravity. Unfortunately, the rare few naturally see humanity through a universal lens where equality by default would automatically apply to anyone. Without exception(s)! Instead our species continues to question whether an entire group of people or even babies! for that matter are truly innocent!?!
Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant and channel decency, dignity for all!
The problem is, the kind of energy and humanity you speak of is a two-way street. You can love everyone, but the truth is there are those who don't love you. These people you either defend yourself from, or you and your goodness perish for want of protection. No one can be virtuous and loving if s/he is dead from the hatred of those who do want to share your humanity. That is where the true sadness lies: in the truth about others. Can 8 billion people share your life-style? No. There really isn't enough resources, including love, to go around for there are so many who desire and demand so much.
Amen.
Beautiful and profound.
Thank you :)
Video is beautiful on so many levels. Thank you yetmagain Gurdeep!❤️
The video made me cry good tears, thank you. So important right now.
Thank you. Your words, music, and dance inspire me.
instead of just dogma we would have catma...cowma... pigma...etc. :)