A reformer has rightly said, 'Nature abhors uniformity.' According to this we live in a world of differences, and these differences cannot be eliminated. For some this 'world of difference' is a problem that needs to be removed through segregation, forms of social and cultural hegemony, and even ethnic and religious cleansing. These kinds of "solutions" - all too often enacted in the name of religion and spirituality - have left a brutal and inhumane legacy of misunderstanding, hatred and violence.

In the world these differences are seen in the form of multi-religious, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic societies. It is important to understand that these differences be seen not a curse, but rather a blessing. Differences of opinion lead to discussion and dialogue, which is a very high form of thinking that result in intellectual development and all kinds of human progress. These lead to key convictions; commitments, aims and purposes of various groupings of communities converge, enabling these communities to enter into appreciative and cooperative relationships.

We have to realize that consensus between individuals on matters of belief, practice and engagement with the world will never be attained, nor is it necessarily desirable. There may be differences in religion and culture, but there is absolutely no difference or discrimination made between people in terms of respect and honour. Now the question is how best unity can be forged or harmony brought about in the face of the human tendency to differ? What is the practical formula for living in a world of differences? As no one has the power to remove differences, the practical formula is simply:

"Learn the 'art of difference management' rather than the art of difference elimination."

The art of difference management is only possible through meaningful and positive dialogue and discussion between individuals, communities and nations.

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How can we maintain peace? In times of differences one has only two options: adopting either the policy of tolerance or that of intolerance. While the latter leads to violence, the former ensures peace. Where there is tolerance there is peace, and where there is intolerance, there is war and violence. For peace, there is only one universal formula, that of tolerance; and this same formula may be successfully applied to one's family life and to social life, as well as at the international level.

Peace requires us to foster a culture of tolerance, for intolerance can lead only to violence and war. In the present world the root cause of most of our problems is traceable to our deviation from the peaceful model of nature-the best model for us to follow. All the dilemmas we are facing today arise because we have not followed nature's lead.

The stars and planets are in continual motion in their orbits, but they never collide with one another. This serves to show man how to proceed to his destination without coming into conflict with others. The sun too is an excellent model. It shows us how we should give life to others in an undiscriminating way. The tree is also a shining example to man, in supplying healthy and beneficial oxygen in exchange for harmful gas, that is, carbon dioxide. And just look at how the flowers spread fragrance all around, regardless of whether they are appreciated for it or not. A flowing stream is likewise a model when it irrigates the fields without expecting anything in return. Without the inculcation of these altruistic values among human beings, no meaningful life on earth is possible.

In short, differences are prevalent in nature. But at the same time nature teaches us to remain positive, for negativity just does not exist in the natural world. This teaches us the lesson that we should give a positive response at all times, even in times of differences and negative situations.