When, some three thousand years ago in ancient China, the Duke of Zhou set about building up the Zhou Dynasty, he instituted as a way to organize society the rites and music system, using rites to give expression to the differences between people on the one hand, and music to transcend these differences on the other. Such was the belief of the ancient Chinese—that while difference was the basis of all life, it had to be coordinated to produce cooperation instead of conflict. Three millennia later, in this our age of globalization and increasing contact with the Other, I believe that the ideas behind the rites and music system hold even more true, because it is only through the careful handling of difference and the appreciation of our common heritage and humanity that we will be able to create a world that is peaceful but not stagnant, dynamic yet not destructive, and thereby an environment where each individual can rise to the heights of his fullest potential.
Not only is difference necessary since life and evolution are founded on change, variety and differentiation, it is also good. It gives us diversity and thereby enriches our lives. Just as beauty in music is brought about by the harmonization of different melodies, and melodies built upon the rhythmic arrangement of different notes; just as beauty in food is brought about by the matching of different tastes and the blending of different flavors—so beauty in life is brought about by the coordination of difference.
[...] Yet a dynamic kind of peace requires more than mutual understanding; it demands mutual learning. Otherwise, the peace achieved would be like a stagnant river, which is hardly ideal. There ought to be a flow of ideas and knowledge, especially in our age where the circulation of information is made increasingly easy. This will then inspire constructive change, because people will realise that sometimes, that which is foreign can be desirable, and thence be spurred to improve themselves, on their own terms. [...]
[...] Just as beauty in music is brought about by the harmonisation of different melodies, and melodies built upon the rhythmic arrangement of different notes; just as beauty in food is brought about by the matching of different tastes and the blending of different flavours—so beauty in life is brought about by the coordination of difference. Thus, difference not only gives us life; it embellishes it. It elevates existence to living. But here we must understand that the key is not just in difference itself, but in the organisation of difference. [...]
[...] Please share your dream and ideas for making it a reality. A Peace of Dynamism When, some three thousand years ago in ancient China, the Duke of Zhou set about building up the Zhou Dynasty, he instituted as a way to organise society the rites and music system, using rites to give expression to the differences between people on the one hand, and music to transcend these differences on the other. Such was the belief of the ancient Chinese—that while difference was the basis of all life, it had to be coordinated to produce cooperation instead of conflict. [...]
[...] It is also this recognition of the validity of other people's lives that helps us see that each person has the right to determine his purpose in life; to choose his own path; to fulfil his potential; and thereby give meaning to existence. Thus, by appreciating difference and treating them constructively, we will realise a world where peace does not lapse into stagnation, nor difference into chaos; instead, peace and difference will meet to produce a vibrant environment in which the individual can find his place by actualising himself, and thence propel society onwards to greater heights. This, I suppose, is what is meant when Krishnamurti said, are the world and the world is you”. [...]
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