The media
promotes stories of strife, division, and miscommunication because trauma makes
great ratings. There will always be plenty of excuses to distrust and criticize
individuals who seem to think in in a different manner. The challenge is to
sense the often similar goals behind the outward disparities.
Sam—He’s a man I met on Google+. Recently, he has stopped
blogging because of unspecified disrespect. Perhaps the criticism was due to the
fact that this kind individual speaks English as a second language; his writing
isn’t perfect. However, his posts often made me smile and always caused me to think.
I am sorry that unkind people have stifled Sam’s muse. He added perception to
my small world. On the other hand, naysayers short circuit anyone’s wavelength.
Johann—This young man is a perfect example
of denigrating others’ value systems. On at least two occasions, he has said
that God is imaginary. On top of that, he typed the comments on Christian
posts. Obviously, this is offensive to believers in Christ. Personally, I don’t
demand that everyone follow my own values; but, I do crave respect for them. I
don’t think I’m alone in this viewpoint, either.
The two men
listed above are cases of how all of mankind has the same desires, even though
we stick to various ways of living. All humans want to be respected and
accepted, no matter what worldview they embrace. This similarity should be a springboard to
harmony among all cultures.
Today, I
would like to highlight an intriguing book:The
Panchatantra Retold, pt. 2, by Sonal Panse. This talented author proves
that deep down, we all have the same desires. Unity can be found in almost
every belief system. Here is my Amazon review:
I have only
one phrase: charming beyond description. This book is chock full of wisdom
disguised as adorable folk tales from India.
The ancient stories involving humans and anthropomorphic animals have
universal appeal. They became the foundation of Aesop’s Fables, Arabian Nights,
and Sinbad the Sailor.
This is the
basis of the narratives: King Amar Shakti asks a wise man (Brahmin) to teach
his indolent sons to be more productive and wise. Brahmin Pandit Vishnu Sharma
does so through brief moral tales. He explores principles for a valuable
existence, including the following: strength in unity, contentment, true “wealth”,
and friendship.
The added
bonus is that Ms. Panse is as skilled an illustrator as she is a writer. Her
skillful, light-hearted pictures inform every chapter/message.
This pleasurable
work is proof that many traditional tenets are the same across cultures and
religions. For instance, I was delighted
to find the gist of Galatians 6:7, “What you sow so shall ye reap” (The Law of
the Harvest), rewritten in this quote: “Any action you take, good or bad,
rebounds on you in the same manner.” I have no hesitation recommending this fantastic
book to readers of all ages and value systems.
My Conclusion
No matter
what goals, values, and labels we cherish, most of us think alike in our
hearts. In the end, we all want to be acknowledged and nurtured.
How do you
promote harmony in your part of the world?
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