Though Different, Do Not Hate Each Other: The Secret to a Tolerant World

**Summary:** A dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang reminds us of humanity's fondness for hating one another, and proposes a tolerant world: no matter the differences, resolve not to hate.

In a Hollywood film about the end of the world, when humanity is nearly annihilated, the rare surviving groups turn to guns, swords, and knives to defend themselves from each other. Though very few remain, instead of loving and supporting one another to rebuild a new humankind, they are ready to shoot and kill anyone who approaches. Why is this so? Because people have this innate fondness for hating each other.

**The Human Fondness for Hating**

Venerable Thích Chân Quang once shared:

Human beings have this tendency—they enjoy hating each other.

Indeed, we find every possible reason to hate: different religions, different sects, different temples, even different positions in the eyes of the abbot. Even when walking the same path, we can still find reasons to hate. People prefer to find every reason to justify their hatred, rather than find ways to love. He observes:

This is a world utterly lacking in tolerance.

**Two Things Needed for a Tolerant World**

To lessen the world's suffering, the Venerable points out two things that must be done:

Eliminate all the reasons that make people hate each other. Eradicate the mind of hatred that lies deep in our instincts, our subconscious, and our very souls.

We need to dismantle the boundaries created by differences, and simultaneously transform our own hearts from the very root.

**Though Different, Do Not Hate Each Other**

The Venerable offers a mantra for the world:

Though we are different, we must absolutely not hate each other.

This is a guiding principle to carry in every relationship. From differences in gender, race, artistic preferences, to religious differences—all can become reasons for hatred. But if we remember this phrase, we will treat one another with familial affection and respect.

**Looking at Specific Differences**

We differ greatly in gender, race, art, and religion. Without tolerance, discrimination easily arises:

Gender differences: Men and women inherently need each other, yet give rise to inequality and hatred.

Racial differences: Skin color becomes a barrier and a seed of conflict.

Artistic differences: Some prefer this music, others prefer that, sometimes even fighting over it.

Religious differences: This is the most serious difference, as religion governs human emotions and identity.

Throughout history, if viewed with discriminatory eyes, we see white people considering themselves superior to Black people, men looking down on women, or Buddhists criticizing one another. But when we practice tolerance, we see they are all children of the Buddha, all carrying the seed of enlightenment within them.

Let us recall the story of King Trần Nhân Tôn after his great victory over the Mongol army. Even though Champa had allowed the Mongols passage to attack Đại Việt, Nhân Tôn did not march his army down in retaliation. He merely visited the Champa king in the image of an ascetic monk, without weapons. The Champa king was so moved that he ceded the two provinces of Ô and Lý as gifts and gave a princess in marriage to Vietnam. Through virtue, hatred was transformed into peace. That is the power of tolerance.

**Practicing Tolerance Daily**

Each of us can begin by not rushing to judge when we see someone different from ourselves. For instance, when encountering someone who enjoys a type of music we dislike, remember: though different, do not hate. When seeing someone following a different spiritual practice, do not criticize, but rejoice, for they too are seeking enlightenment. Venerable Chân Quang recounts that in his youth, he favored Chan (Thiền) and did not understand the practice of Buddha-recitation (niệm Phật). Later, he came to cherish both, understanding that each person has different capacities and spiritual roots.

This world will become more tolerant when each of us embraces the mantra: Though different, we absolutely will not hate. Let us open our hearts wide, treating everyone with a love that does not discriminate. This is the way to cultivate wholesome seeds for the new year and for a world at peace.