Thoughts That Linger: 32. Ideas I Admire, 24 09 2025

Thoughts I Admire

The most obvious truth I see is that all human efforts are for attaining sustained happiness. While this pursuit has taken multiple forms, one of the earliest conscious attempts by our ancestors for achieving enduring happiness is in religious ideas. Each of the major religion has given us valuable ideas in this pursuit.

I believe my lack of comprehensive knowledge of religions should not be an excuse for me to not express what I like in each one of them. I can start by listing out what I find the most appealing in each of them. While this identification is not the culmination of my thinking, it definitely is the start for me to evolve as I go along. 

1. The KARMA concept of ‘you get what you give’, with the timeline for this exchange being elastic and unpredictable, even spilling across lifetime is what appeals to me from the Sanatana Dharma.
2. TZEDEK a Hebrew word encompassing the concept of justice, righteousness, fairness and integrity that believers of Judaism should follow. I see quite a bit of similarity between the word Dharma and Tzedek.
3. The Christian idea of COMPASSION reflected in ‘love thy neighbour’ is an idea not just easy to understand but also clear to practice.
4. The concept of RIBA or unjust increase in wealth is what I find endearing in Islam. To earn your livelihood each and every day and not live an idle life off your past earnings, is embedded in the idea of not taking interest on loans. It promotes equality and prevents exploitation of the poor.
5. The idea in Sikhism of VAND CHAAKO i.e. sharing wealth and resources with the needy reflected in the concept of Langar where everyone is fed a simple meal without any discrimination is simply an outstanding demonstration of universal love. 
6. The idea that desires are the ROOT OF OUR SORROW and we need to reign them in is brought home by Buddhism highlighting the deep impact of our desires.
7. NON-VIOLENCE, the intent not to harm even the tiniest micro-organisms practiced by the followers of Jain faith is I find commendable.

I think if we study all religions, we will find all the seven ideals listed above in each one of them. Can objective comparative study and constructive inter-faith dialogues be the vehicle to promote harmony in our society? Can we devote say one day a week, every week of the year to pursue harmony in our society by shunning all differences and celebrating our common cherished values? I believe with time, a day a week could become every day of the week. Any day is a good day to start; shall we start today….