The Problem Of Sectarianism

asked, ‘What weapon?’ I said, ‘The more you curse me, the more I will pray for you. The more you try to crush me, the more I will bow before you.’ Hearing this, the man walked away silently—and never troubled me again.” He added, “This approach doesn’t just save me from harm—it gives me tremendous courage. Hatred makes a person cowardly. Love makes a person brave.” This is a profound truth. In India, the biggest psychological cause of sectarian conflict is doubt and suspicion. Historical events have created a climate of distrust. But if we rise above these doubts, sectarian problems will disappear. Once, I was flying to Europe. At the airport, there was dense fog, and sunlight wasn’t visible. Our plane took off in that darkness. But once it reached cruising altitude, I saw sunlight shining brightly above the clouds. The same is true for doubts. We often get trapped in them and forget that they are just a limited, artificial circle. A small effort can lift us beyond it—where we find clarity, peace, and light. I know of a city where every year, a procession from one community would pass by the place of worship of another. Each year, tension would rise—the worshippers would protest, leading to hours of confrontation. But last year, they decided not to oppose. As a result, the procession passed in half an hour without any trouble. Opposition always leads to more opposition. If you don’t oppose, conflict dissolves by itself.