Religion
Engage
Related Reading:
Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso)
In this influential book, a global spiritual leader proposes a universal approach to ethics rooted in shared human values like compassion. Writing for believers and secular people alike, the Dalai Lama argues that we can cultivate an ethical heart and a happy, meaningful life “beyond religion” by recognizing our common humanity and shared aspiration to avoid suffering. Beyond Religion inspires readers to see that ethical living and human flourishing are goals we can all agree on, whatever our faith background, and that the spirit of compassion can guide humanity toward unity and happiness.
A Catholic monk deeply trained in Eastern traditions, Teasdale coined the term “interspirituality” to describe the profound common ground among the world’s wisdom paths. In The Mystic Heart, he reflects on the mystical core shared by religions – the direct experience of the sacred through prayer, meditation, and compassion. Teasdale shares stories of dialogue between monks, priests, imams, rabbis, and shamans, revealing how spiritual explorers can learn from one another without losing their own roots.
This delightful and profound book features a dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the late Archbishop Tutu. Despite coming from different religions, these dear friends discuss how essential values like compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, and generosity are pathways to joy in both Buddhism and Christianity (and all faiths). This resource is a heartening example of how people of different religions can learn from each other’s traditions to live more fully. For a visual treat, the documentary Mission: Joy captures moments from their beautiful encounter.
Deep Listening:
In the TED Talk “My Wish: The Charter for Compassion,” religious scholar Karen Armstrong makes a passionate plea to restore the Golden Rule to the center of global life. Armstrong is a former nun and author on many faiths. Her talk illuminates how all religions call us to empathy. She invites funders, academics, and faith leaders alike in a call to action to build a more understanding and caring world by finding the sacred common ground in our diverse beliefs.