Tolerance
Namaste – that’s how Hindus greet each other, folding their hands (in Anjali mudra) and bringing them close to the chest. By doing so, Hindus honor the divine presence within the other person, because they believe - ‘Ayam Atma Brahma’ - the Soul is the God. Hinduism teaches us to see the Divine in everyone. If we strive to follow this belief every minute, every day of our life – it’s easier to maintain an attitude of tolerance and acceptance towards others.
Tolerance means accepting people from all different backgrounds, embracing everyone regardless of their beliefs, race, religion, gender or socioeconomic status. Showing compassion and tolerance towards others is important to live a peaceful life. On the other hand, intolerance clouds our judgment and empathy and can be an obstacle to growth.
Our beliefs and values strongly influence how we see and accept the world around us. Hindu principles cultivate a strong basis for acceptance and tolerance.
Under the big umbrella of Hinduism, different types of traditions are followed and Hindus learn to be tolerant, respectful and honor each other’s differences by understanding that there is only One Supreme Being, while we call Him with different names, in different languages and follow different customs and practices to worship Him. Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery once quoted a verse from Rig Veda explaining , ‘Ekam sat viprahbahuda vadanti’ - Truth is one, sages express it differently.
Hinduism teaches us to live in a pure, honest, prejudice-free consciousness and open our hearts to everyone around us, respecting their ideas and finding value in all cultures and faiths. This learning helps us remove all prejudice and stereotypes from our way of thinking.
The belief that there is a seed of divinity in everyone helps explain that people are not bad or evil, rather under certain situations and circumstances, at times, they do bad things. Soul nature of everyone is pure and divine. Some are young souls, clouded by greed, jealousy or other bad habits, which they slowly give away, as they work on themselves, resolve their karmas, build strong character and grow spiritually into a wiser person, an old soul. Once we understand the soul journey, it’s hard to carry a judgmental view towards anyone.
At school or home or at a friend's place, if a discussion turns into an argument, then we should hold ourselves and try to embrace another person’s viewpoint. If a friend remarks negatively towards someone’s color or body, then we should say something positive about the person and politely remind the friend to appreciate those who are different.
With tolerance, there is no resentment weighing down our hearts, allowing us to move through life with an open, positive, and peaceful mindset. Despite the differences, Hindu teachings guide us to be compassionate and empathetic, making a proactive effort to befriend and help those around us. These tools help us develop a true appreciation for diversity. The Vedic verses explain Hindu viewpoint very well – ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – The whole world is one family. ‘Sarve janah sukhino bhavantu’ – May all people be happy.
