Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means “the world is one family” has originated from Indian scripture- Upanishads. It encourages people to treat everyone same and as their own irrespective of the language, color, caste or any man-made barriers.

Third Sunday of January is celebrated as World Religion Day–to promote the inter-faith understanding and harmony among all. With hundreds of nations who follow thousands of cultures, since history we have had countless religions.

Today on World Religion Day, whether you are Hindu, Jewish, Catholic, Buddhist, Muslim or any one of the thousands, you can share your culture with other and learn from others about their religion.

Since I am Hindu, I would like to believe that it is the oldest and most widespread religion in the history. It is often regarded as Sanatan Dharam–‘the Eternal Way’, with roots back to pre-historic times of over 5000 years.

But the creator did not distinguish humans into religions and cultures and languages. He created over thousand types of living beings, Human being one of them. The supreme power created One Earth, One Sun and One Moon for all the living beings. All of us breathe same air, drink same water, walk under same sky–look at same stars, believe in same planets.

The religions, cultures, castes and languages are created by humans. Hence the purpose of celebrating World Religion Day is to highlight the fundamental idea of the single spiritual principle, which is harmony. Humankind is the most important in all the religions.

The Baha’i Faith who has taken this concept internationally–states that the principle of all major religions is part of a single plan directed from the same God.

There are so many similarities relating to customs and rituals in most religions such as fasting and prayers, all of these are known as core values of these religions.

Take a peek on the key principle of the major religions, they carry the same expression.

Baha’i Faith : Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.

Buddhism: Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.

Christianity: In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

Confucianism: One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct…loving-kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.

Hinduism: This is the sum of duty; do naught onto others what you would not have them do unto you.

Islam: Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.

Jainism: One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.

Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.

Native American Pima Proverb: Do not wrong or hate your neighbor. For it is not he who you wrong, but yourself.

Sikhism: As thou deemest thyself, so deem others.

Taoism: Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.

Yoruba (Nigeria): One going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird should first try it on himself to feel how it hurts.

Zoroastrianism: Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.

All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything. — Swami Vivekanand.

Courtesy: Principles of Baha’I Faith. https://www.bahaiblog.net/2015/12/different-religions-same-golden-rule/