From the very moment of birth, an individual enters a specific cultural, social, and national framework. He is nurtured within a community, religion, and tradition that shape his personality and outlook. As he grows, he absorbs the values, customs, and attitudes of these groups, and in turn, he influences them. No human being can live in isolation; life necessarily involves constant interaction with different circles of people. These connections enrich life and give meaning to one’s existence.
However, such participation in group life also carries a subtle risk. Gradually, a person begins to develop deep loyalties to his cultural and social units. He identifies strongly with those who belong to his group and, consciously or unconsciously, begins to view others as outsiders. Humanity, for him, is no longer a universal brotherhood but a limited fraternity. In this mindset, his obligations rarely extend beyond the frontiers of his group or state. This narrow loyalty often breeds prejudice. At first, it may appear as simple misunderstanding or ego-centred behaviour toward others.
But, over time, it can escalate into hostility, bickering, and eventually open conflict. Such tendencies pose a grave threat to peace and stability, both within nations and across the world.
True stability requires the willingness of people to rise above self-interest and make sacrifices for the larger good, recognising that their own well-being is bound with that of others. The ancient Indian wisdom captures this spirit in the Sanskrit verse: “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramaya.”
This philosophy must become the guiding principle of politics, economics, and social life. Without such a foundation, society will continue to grapple with tension and unrest. The practical question, then, is how to cultivate this attitude. The second timeless mantra offers the answer: “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam”— The world is one family. When we begin to see the entire human race as members of one household, narrow divisions lose their power. This shift requires more than intellectual agreement; it calls for a transformation in consciousness.Such transformation is possible when individuals move from body-consciousness to soul-consciousness. At the level of the soul, one recognises a universal kinship that transcends race, religion, and nationality. Spirituality allows a person to remain part of a cultural or ethnic group while simultaneously rising above parochial boundaries to embrace a global vision.
Spirituality, then, is not an escape from life but the cornerstone of true peace. It enables human beings to connect with their higher self and with the universe in a way that transcends religious differences. Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and gratitude nurture compassion, empathy, and a sense of interconnectedness.
This inner awakening creates a ripple effect, fostering mutual respect and reducing ethnocentrism. Societies built on such values naturally move toward sustainable prosperity and lasting stability. What the world needs most urgently today is spiritual education that awakens the awareness of a global family under the fatherhood of God. Only then can humanity overcome division, and only then can progress bring genuine happiness.
The writer is a spiritual teacher and a popular columnist
