Whole Living Daily

Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net and Keattikorn

If I asked you if you believe in a higher power, you would probably say yes, as 95% of Americans profess they believe in God. And if I asked you if you believe that the human race should unite in peace, harmony, and love, I feel certain the vast majority would agree wholeheartedly.

Yet the tone of spiritual or religious discussion often takes a bitter tone of divisiveness and acrimony rather than compassion and friendliness. Even in the New Age community there is often great intolerance for orthodox religions.

The challenge is, can you speak with (as opposed to speak at) someone who is intolerant of your perspective with patience and kindness, as you desire them to speak with you?

And if you are a spiritual leader I ask, are you teaching your beliefs in a way that would divide a diverse audience, or unite them? From my experience, it is usually the cultural trappings and language that pushes people away, more so than the content of the message.

This year I had the pleasure of teaching yoga in a Middle Eastern country. In the workshop there were three covered women, as they are called there, meaning practicing Muslims. There was also a born-again Christian and a variety of other religious views represented, as well as a few Agnostics.

When I looked at this group – this truly multi-religious gathering, it caused me to re-examine my words and to ask myself, “Will the way I present spirituality divide or unite them?" I made it my conscious imperative to speak in universal terms from then on.

Jesus was not known for reciting scriptures; he taught by telling parables using easily relatable metaphors of farming, fishing, and weaving, etc. Similarly, the Buddha chose to teach not in his own language of the Brahmin caste but instead taught in the common language of the region so everyone could understand his message.

So, how can we impart spiritual teachings without inciting division?

We can begin by speaking of what I call unifying precepts/concepts, such as the concepts of gratitude and forgiveness. One will find few religious teachings that find fault with these precepts of loving behavior. These concepts can bring an entire class, congregation, or diverse audience to the same heart vibration.

The five aspects I find that inspire people and offend no one are:

1. Kindness

2. Gratitude

3. Respect

4. Mindfulness

5. Forgiveness

Together, these aspects elicit peace within and to those who come into contact with us. They unite people beyond nation, race, and tribe.

Aim to communicate using terms that the listener can relate too.

Do not attempt to replace their belief system or to change their religion, speak in an uplifting way that will help them to live their faith more fully.

Remember that just as there are hundreds of names for the one sun that warms this earth, there are hundreds of names for the infinite. Invite others to seek the sun within, and do so without imposing your particular name for the sun.

Max Strom is a teacher, speaker, and author who teaches personal transformation and yoga. His latest book is "A Life Worth Breathing". Please visit his website at MaxStrom.com.