Unity in Diversity
In today's world, the expression 'unity in diversity" is used much more in the political context than the social or national one. However, few politicians would want to achieve it as it would be against their interests. Unity brings power, while diversity brings weakness. Existence is a homogeneous whole, then wherefrom does all this evil arise? Diversity as such makes the beauty of the creation. Without it, there would be no creation. It is by the virtue of the unimaginable range of variety in the womb of nature that evolution is possible. What then do we mean by 'unity in diversity'?
The mind is like a broken mirror. Looking through it, man sees not only diversity but a fragmented world like the different parts of a machine. This is where the mechanistic view of the Cartesian approach originates. There is a great difference between diversity and separateness. Diversity means the one appearing as different forms and colours, while separateness means that the mind perceives the diversity of life as infinite fragmented pieces. That is the great illusion. The mystics say, "Brahman is one without the second." The same statement echoes in the Quran, "La illaha illala," - "There is no God but Allah." Illaha means the one supreme, homogeneous truth.
The whole existence with its infinite range of diversity is nothing but a modification of the One, just as the waves are but a modification of the ocean. It is this understanding that makes spiritual people a treasure-house of virtues. The holistic approach to life emanates only from such a realisation. At the quantum level, all dualities and diversities disappear and there is only energy. The key to success in all fields is unity. The saying, "United we stand, divided we fall," is not only scientific but spiritual too. In fact, the fall of man started with division.
If we wish to become really civilised, then we have no choice but to think about unity at all levels. The great obstacle, however, is that there are always people with vested interests, hence diversity and division exist. Diversity is only superficial. We should learn to enjoy both unity and diversity. We should dwell in unity, while using and enjoying diversity. Man is very much divided inside and that is the source of all his conflicts. Let us first get united inside in mind, heart and body. What is meditation and yoga if not a state of unity!
Diversity is only in appearance. The ultimate truth is oneness - unity. Sane human relationships can be built only if we realise that we are fundamentally united, thus one. Love and other virtues can flourish solely in unity. Therefore, it is important that the education curriculum include the subject 'Unity in Diversity" for the healthy development of children.
Diversity is beautiful and necessary, but it should not be the cause of division and its by-products like superiority and inferiority. Without diversity, life would be so monotonous; in fact, life would not even exist! It is in diversity that things are unique and because of their uniqueness, they are beautiful and valuable. So are individuals, cultures, religions and even plants and animals. It is the one that has become the many while retaining its oneness. The seven rays of the sun are distinct, yet fundamentally one at the source; so are all things and creatures. Diversity is only for the purpose of the universal drama. Then why so much conflict?
The wise who has realised the above truth embraces all religions, cultures, people, nay, the whole cosmos. This is the meaning of having a cosmic or universal consciousness. However, this is to be experienced, not merely reflected upon, and this experience alone liberates one from all conditionings, thus from all forms.
