One Path, One Temple, One World: Creating Unity in an Ever Changing Universe

As the path widens so do the complexities of human nature. In order to gain a better understanding we look around us and uncover the layers of society. If societies are created by people, than how do multi-cultural societies live amongst one another? As Dean Barnlund stated (1975), ” Every communication, interpersonal or intercultural, is a transaction between two private worlds. As people talk they search for symbols that will enable them to share their experiences and converge upon a common meaning. This process, often long and sometimes painful, makes it possible finally to reconcile apparent or real differences between them.” What would happen if we changed the pillars holding up society from fear based to respect, compassion, understanding and unconditional love for humanity?

Respect, compassion, understanding and unconditional love for humanity sound like a utopian dream, but are they honestly attainable? Let us investigate these layers on a deeper level to see what we can uncover! Respect, for centuries, has been used as a catch all phrase stated at opportune times to create an illusion of reconciliation.

Each culture has a set of beliefs that are important to them. They are the guidelines from which they live, interact and evolve. Respect encompasses a belief that permits each individual to acknowledge that we are each free to have our own world views without forcing our own beliefs on others. We can all live in harmony and nurture the roots of the universal tree without condemning beliefs outside our own. With respect we begin to gain a broader range of understanding. We are able to step back, listen actively and learn about the other person. When we listen to others we encourage trust, become active participants and are able to respond differently. Listening to others also provides a forum for growing compassion and further defining communication skills.

Compassion is the act of unconditional love. Unconditional love can be viewed as an ever present, authentic and genuine caring for another human being. It is a love that incorporates the balance of mind, body and spirit. It requires honesty and openness to admit fears. This admittance permits one to open their heart and see beyond the barriers of society. It permeates on a level that seeks to restore balance, to share life experiences and to expand our scope of individual awareness. As we allow these new frameworks to enter our minds, bodies and spirits, we find ourselves renewed with a desire to establish peaceful relations.

The differences in neighborhoods, cultures, societies and families become stepping stones from which we can restore balance to humanity. Each serving as ambassadors of peace! Each acknowledging their unique wisdom to share with others and holding one another accountable for reshaping the destination of universal peace. Every individual recognizing that they are a part of something greater, knowing that to honor ones highest good is to also honor the highest good of all humankind. In conclusion, each individual represents a set of footprints on the path, every culture builds upon the earth as a temple, every society builds the world from which we create unity in an ever changing universe.

Works Cited Page

Barnlund, Dean (1975) Communication in a Global Village. In T. Brunk, S. Diamond, P. Perkins, & K. Smith (Eds) (pp. 47-62) 2nd ed. New York: W. W. Norton.