We are living in a situation today where there is violence all over the world. So, we should be on guard and remember that all human beings are basically good. To have the welfare of all beings at heart, it is not easy but every effort should be there to follow this principle; alongside this, Sadhana (practice) is required as the mind is fickle always.
The legend goes that when Kabir Das, the 15th century mystic poet and saint, passed away in Maghar, his Hindu and Muslim followers disputed over his remains—they wanted to bury him according to their particular religious rites, since both sides believed Kabir belonged to their religion. The dispute turned into a major row, with both sides remaining rooted to their conviction about Kabir’s faith.
When the followers removed the shroud covering his dead body, they were astonished to find a heap of flowers instead. Chastened, they distributed the flowers amongst themselves and completed the death rites, according to their own traditions. I have visited this site—here the Hindu followers of Kabir (Kabir-panthis) offer prayers and, right beside this, you will find the tomb where the Maulavi offers prayers daily as per Islamic traditions. You will not miss the tremendous respect that these followers have for each other, co-existing without an iota of discordance.
In the 12th Chapter, Bhakti Yoga, of the Bhagwad Gita says:
Saṃniyamyendriyagrāmaṃ sarvatra samabuddhayāḥ
te prāpnuvanti māmeva sarvabhūtahite ratāḥ
Translated, it says, “One who has control over his senses, is equally disposed to all and has the welfare of all beings at heart is the ideal devotee or ‘bhakta’.” It is clear that the idea of Manav Ekta—the oneness of humanity is based on these three things. A true bhakta is one who is able to put other’s needs ahead of his. This can be felt only when one’s heart is open to recognize and feel other people’s sufferings. Understanding another with a compassionate heart is the key; it is also synonymous with the interconnectedness that is at the core of nature. The line between individualism and selfishness is quite thin. Not understanding the distinction between the two leads to a negativist attitude creating strife and conflict.
This is the time for peace. We are living in a situation today where there is violence all over the world. So, we should be on guard and remember that all human beings are basically good. To have the welfare of all beings at heart, it is not easy but every effort should be there to follow this principle; alongside this, Sadhana (practice) is required as the mind is fickle always. Both for believers and non-believers, it is extremely difficult to keep the mind unwavering and follow the path of harmony.
In the Holy Bible, Mathew 5:9, it says: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the Children of God’. If one understands that everyone has a bit of Parabrahma (Supreme God head) within them, one cannot even think of harming anyone. When we go to donate blood in a blood bank, do they ask us our religion or caste? Our interaction with others and our love for them determines our understanding of God. The message from all religions is that we should live together peacefully, respecting our differences.
