Tolerance in Daily Life: Embracing Human Diversity

Tolerance is not merely absence of animosity or aloofness towards others. It is an intrinsic attitude that allows us to embrace and respect different opinions, beliefs, and lifestyles while recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. This article explores the concept of tolerance, its importance in our daily lives, and how embracing it can foster a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Understanding the Roots of Tolerance

The idea of tolerance is deeply rooted in various religious and spiritual teachings, one of which is found in the Baha'i Faith. According to the Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah:

Those seeker[s] must at all times put his trust in God, must renounce the peoples of the earth, detach himself from the world of dust, and cleave unto Him Who is the Lord of Lords. He must never seek to exalt himself above any one, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vainglory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smouldering fire and excess of speech a deadly poison.

This passage emphasizes the importance of humility, patience, and detachment from worldly affairs as we strive to practice tolerance.

Tolerance in Religious Teachings: Jesus and Baha'u'llah

The principle of tolerance is not confined to any single religion. In the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Greatest Commandment laid out in the Gospels is summarized as:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.

The concept of loving one's neighbor, as expressed in this commandment, is closely tied to the idea of tolerance. It teaches us to treat others with the same respect and kindness we would desire for ourselves. Similarly, in the writings of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, we find:

O CHILDREN OF MEN! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance, it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land that from your inmost being by your deeds and actions the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest.

These teachings from the Baha'i Faith underscore the unity of humanity and the need for mutual respect and understanding.

Practicing Tolerance in Daily Life

Showcasing tolerance in our daily life is not merely a theoretical exercise but a practical approach to living harmoniously with others. Here are some steps one can take to practice tolerance:

Open Mind: Keep an open mind towards diverse viewpoints and ideas. Be willing to listen and consider different perspectives. Empathy: Try to understand others' experiences and feelings. Empathy helps in fostering a deeper connection and mutual respect. Patience: Practice patience, especially when dealing with people who hold opposing views. Refrain from haste and judgment. Act with Kindness: Be kind and refrain from harmful or discriminatory behavior. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Cultivate Diversity: Seek out and engage with people from different backgrounds and beliefs. This helps in breaking down barriers and fostering understanding.

The Power of Tolerance in Society

Tolerance plays a vital role in promoting social harmony and understanding. It helps in resolving conflicts, fostering mutual respect, and encouraging a more inclusive society. As Baha'i teachings state:

In this station the wayfarer must not claim the seat of honour in any gathering or walk before others in the desire to vaunt and exalt himself. Rather must he regard himself as standing at all times in the presence of his Lord. He must not wish for anyone that which he doth not wish for himself nor speak that which he would not bear to hear spoken by another nor yet desire for any soul that which he would not have desired for himself. It befitteth him rather to walk upon the earth with undeviating steps in the kingdom of His new creation.

By following these teachings, we can create a more harmonious and tolerant society, where every individual is valued and respected.

Conclusion

Embracing tolerance in our daily lives is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society. Through understanding, empathy, and mutual respect, we can build bridges of understanding and promote peace. The teachings of Jesus and Baha'u'llah provide guidelines for cultivating tolerance, reminding us of our shared humanity and the importance of love and unity.