Multi-religious Education

Connectedness: The humanitarian world leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar recently visited Oslo to show respect and offer support following the tragic events of July 22nd. Time and time again he emphasized that the way to combat extremists, is to introduce a dynamic and proactive multi-cultural and multi-religious education.

   The terrorist’s massacre of 77 people has shocked the world. This incident has brought forth a very serious issue, namely what prejudice and intolerance may lead to. Lack of interaction between cultures, and prejudice against other cultures, can take individuals and entire societies into such disastrous situations.

   Multi-cultural and multi-religious activities are necessary to remove prejudices and phobias from young minds. It is absolutely essential that all nations embrace multi-cultural and multi-religious educations and celebrate diversity. When a child grows up thinking that other religions or cultures are not good, then he or she becomes ready to take other lives. By gaining insight into other cultures, religions and customs children will develop a sense of connectedness and a sense of belongingness with everybody. When a sense of connectedness is present, one cannot harbour hatred for others.

   All religions emphasize the principles of nonviolence, peaceful co-existence and values of friendliness, compassion and service to society. These common principles need to be highlighted and introduced early on in a child's education. Even a small section of people with prejudices and misconceptions can prove dangerous to society.

   Unfortunately, in every religion today, there are people who are narrow-minded and thrive on creating phobia, prejudice and erroneous perceptions about other cultures and religions. Closed mind-sets, limited interactions, and a sense of disconnectedness with other cultures and communities can lead to situations that can spark such violent acts. Spiritual education is crucial to help individuals deal with anger and hatred. Without a means to control them, anger and hatred can lead to a situation where one loses sight of reason. When the ability to reason is lost, human values of tolerance and compassion are lost. Respect for life, which is the basis for all human values, is also lost as a result.

   Terrorists have no respect for life. In reality, terrorists have no religion, no nationality and no philosophy, for they are blind to reason. We accept food, art and music from around the world. In the same way, we need to learn to accept knowledge and wisdom from every part of the world as well. We live in an age of globalization - we need to globalize wisdom also. Even if one part of the world lacks these human values of friendliness, tolerance and compassion, the world will not be a safe place, because that part can breed terrorism.

   We need to address the root cause of these incidents of violence before it is too late. Often, peace-loving people are not proactive in promoting peace in society, and those who are proactive lack peace within. A combination of peace and dynamism is needed in society today. Though this may seem idealistic, it is not impossible. It is possible through right education and orientation. Each one of us can play a role in educating people on the human values of friendliness, compassion and non-aggression.

Ingrid Klokkersund Byrt - Press contact - Art of Living Foundation - Norway