The greatest challenge for our generation is to build peace in society. Without peace we collapse into the horrors broadcasted on the evening news. Across the globe, religion often gets in the way of common sense and decency. It leads people to war over intolerant convictions. Rather than being consumed by dogmatism, fixating on the superiority of my faith versus your faith, let’s build bridges of understanding. Let’s concentrate on our fragile humanity that is caught up and inextricably bound up in theirs. Religion started without books and can most certainly flourish without them. Religion loses its way when holy writings ignite hateful wars. The story is told about a contemporary of Jesus, Rabbi Hillel, who was asked by a gentile to sum up Judaism in the time he could stand on one leg. “That’s simple – he replied – Don’t do to others what you would hate being done to you. That is the Law and everything else is just commentary.”
The way we live, the way we treat others, the way we rise above selfish interest and misguided prejudice, these reflect our true spirituality. You’re not a Christian, if you put yourself first. And you’re not a Muslim, if you don’t help your sisters. You’re not a Hindu, if you cheat. You’re not a Jew, if you lie. You’re not a Buddhist, if you take revenge. The conditional “if” reminds us that, when we fail, we are doomed to start all over again. To appreciate this means to apply it every waking minute. As the Dalai Lama said, “Be kind whenever possible ... it’s always possible!” As human beings we are vulnerable to failure, so the conditional “if” offers a moment to reflect, a pause to choose compassion before failing. Kindness is the essence of religion. By cultivating genuine empathy towards others, we create deep, sincere relationships. Kindness came before scripture and liturgy. Compassion is the real building block of churches, temples and shrines.
I’m privileged to run a refugee shelter. On the coldest night in January, the mercury hovering in single digits, I was delighted that every bed was occupied and twelve, otherwise homeless men, were sleeping comfortably. It was Chinese New Year and I visited them to share a festive meal. They came from Somalia, Yemen, Eritrea, Uganda and Burundi. They enjoyed different cultural heritage, but had one thing in common: a suffering humanity. Through my work I learn how solidarity, cooperation and compassion unite these people who thoughtfully share clothes and shoes, as well as food and advice. In the best days of their life, before today’s suffering, maybe they wouldn’t have spared a second glance at each other. Instead, through collective adversity they have discovered the essence of charity. They learnt that life is a mysterious journey, during which kindness removes fear and insecurity and gives everyone strength to face the future.
