Manage Differences through Tolerance

Differences are a reality of life. In our daily lives, both inside and outside the home, we encounter differences. How should we handle them? We should live according to the principles of tolerance. This approach should be adopted in matters of religion as well. A gentleman said, “Nation-building work could not be done after 1947.” He further said that people still do not pay attention to fulfilling their responsibilities. After December 6, nation-building is number one on my agenda. A Swami ji from Vrindavan asserted that the supreme power is known by many names, such as Jagannath, Allah, God, Rab, and Waheguru. However, despite these varied appellations, we ultimately supplicate ourselves before that singular Supreme Power. The conflict does not arise from differences in worship or its methods; rather, it stems from material interests, often leading to communal tensions in society, manifesting in various forms. Therefore, it is imperative to cultivate a spirit of tolerance in society— embodying the principle of ‘follow one and respect all.’ The seminar at Vrindavan took place in a large hall with carpets spread. About sixty people were sitting in a circle in the seminar. Different people were expressing their opinions on the current state of the country. Amidst all this, a boy entered the hall carrying a plate. On the plate was a cut radish sprinkled with salt. The boy passed by with the plate. Everyone took a radish according to his wish and started eating it. In the end, tea was brought, and a cup was placed before everyone. This is an example that indicates how simple Vrindavan’s seminar was and how its proceedings were conducted in