The author asserts that achieving peace with the surrounding world is only possible after the individual achieves inner tranquility. Hinduism offers eternal gifts in the form of yoga and meditation, which help all people attain holistic health, harmony, and inner peace.
Daily, at all auspicious moments and even during times of difficulty, Hindus recite the Shanti Paath, a prayer for peace. This prayer includes the words: 'O loving Lord, may harmony reign in all elements of nature. May peace prevail everywhere and in everyone. May this glorious peace reside within me.'
Harmony leads to happiness. The Hindu prayer for happiness (Sarve Bhavantu) asks: 'O Lord! May all be happy in You. May all be freed from suffering and pain. May all realize goodness.'
Disagreement arises from inequality, social injustice, and discrimination. The sacred scriptures of Hinduism emphasize the principle of equality. In the Bhagavad Gita (9.29), Lord Krishna states: 'I am the same for all beings. I look upon everyone equally.' All people are equal children of God.
According to the Rigveda (5.60.5), 'No one is higher or lower. All are brothers and sisters. All must strive for the interests of all and progress collectively.' Hinduism advocated gender equality since 6000 BCE. According to the Vedas, men and women, being equal halves of one substance, are equal in everything.
In Hinduism, God is revered as the universal Father and Mother. By proclaiming the unique acceptance of unity and wholeness of life, rich in diversity, Hinduism embraces all of humanity. Egoistic discrimination based on religion, race, gender, etc., contradicts the spirit of care and exchange inherent in Hinduism.
The highest philosophy of Hinduism is embodied in two words: 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (Sama Veda, Maha Upanishad, 6.72), which means: 'The world is one family.' The call 'Love all, serve all' is comprehensive. Seva, or selfless service, forms the essence of Hinduism. Serving a person is serving God. Hands that help or heal are holier than hands that pray. The core teachings of Hinduism include the principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence.
Our unstable and divided world suffers from violence, terrorism, bombings, drone and missile attacks. The only way out of the evil forces engulfing a self-destructive and fragmented world lies through religion. Religion provides a moral orientation. It is the only stable institution offering support for unity, eternal peace, harmony, and happiness.
However, it is noted that some cruel charlatans have used religion for their own purposes. Although all religions preach love, followers often act out of hatred.
The article's author argues that genuine interreligious unity should be formed directly in schools, temples, mosques, and churches, rather than at board meetings. He emphasizes that such initiatives must be led by pastors, gurus, and imams.
The article mentions that the interfaith forum was created to promote unity following an offensive statement by a pastor regarding 'milk porridge' during prayer. The author expresses surprise that such a forum should have appeared much earlier. He notes that every time a pastor, imam, or priest crosses the line, a similar scenario unfolds: press conferences, speeches about dialogue, and only then is a new forum established.
The author questions why this forum was not created earlier when Hindu worshippers and temples were subjected to ridicule for many years. He states that every such incident spawns a new committee, which then quietly disappears. True unity, in the author's view, cannot be signed in a meeting hall; it arises when a Hindu defends a mosque, a Christian attends Eid celebrations, and a Muslim supports a temple.
The author hopes that the new interfaith forum will be more effective than mere talk, but warns that hope alone is insufficient to build unity. It requires concrete actions, accountability, and, most importantly, respect. He cites Swami Vivekananda's saying: 'No religion surpasses. There is no God higher than truth.' The author concludes that the new forum must remember that unity must be lived, not just declared.
