Toward a True Kinship of Faiths

According to the author, one of the greatest challenges to the establishment of world peace is the widespread adoption of religious tolerance.  Over the course of history, the great world religions have contributed to the development and advancement of civilization.  They have also positively impacted the spiritual lives of countless people.  Paradoxically, as evidenced by the ongoing threat of global terrorism, religious fundamentalism and extremism has also been the cause of much suffering and conflict.  In this book, The Dalai Lama shares his vision of how the world’s religions can work together to foster a peaceful coexistence among their adherents.

 

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, is the exiled spiritual leader of the Tibetan people.  He recounts his own journey from an exclusive belief in Buddhism to a sincere love and respect for the spiritual principles inherent in each religion.  He emphasizes that adherents don’t have to compromise their commitment to their own faith tradition to recognize the value of other spiritual paths.  The crux of his argument is that religions may differ in doctrine and beliefs, but they all share The Golden Rule, a teaching which is rooted in compassion and love for others.