The 'Sacred' in a Pluralistic World:Seeking Common Ground While Preserving Differences

The definition of the 'sacred' varies according to time, place, and individual. This is something we must be aware of in a modern, pluralistic, and globalized society.

Most religions derive their understanding of the 'sacred' from their faith in, and interpretation of, the holy scriptures and teachings they rely on; and some derive it from the revelation of religious experience. On the surface, all these understandings seem to come directly from objective 'divine revelations,' but in reality their formation is influenced by a variety of individual, cultural and historical factors. Thus these understandings can not be regarded as purely objective.

The supreme truth revered by every religion should be absolute and flawless. It is definitely sacred. But once secular elements and outside agendas are incorporated into the interpretation, it becomes a subjective notion and thus generates diversity.

For example, the theory of causes and conditions is the utmost sacred in Buddhism. But we do not deny the value of monotheism. While we neither identify with nor accept monotheism, we can understand and respect it. We acknowledge that all virtuous religions have room for continuous development and also have the right to proclaim themselves to be the world's best religion. Likewise, I myself would say that Buddhism is the best religion.

For this reason, to manifest the tolerance expected in a pluralistic society, the definition of the 'sacred' must be reinterpreted. Although there is only one highest Truth, in the process of transmitting and recording the personal experiences of prophets from different civilizations of this Truth in oral and written forms, the resulting holy scriptures and teachings reflect different perspectives due to cultural differences. In order to save humanity from the danger of conflict and even annihilation, we must not only preserve the values of our own group, but also respect those of others'. While we can have our own self-centered values, we must also be tolerant of the values held by others.

The catalytic exchanges of a pluralistic society can provide the opportunity to learn from one another and grow;such exchanges can keep our cultures perennially vibrant. The days of mono-cultural societies are long gone and will not return again; and fortunately so, otherwise the destiny of humanity would be a very tragic one! Therefore, I would like to make this appeal here all humanity: Human-kind must understand that the notion of 'Sacred' is interpreted differently in a multicultural pluralistic world, and that we should strive to seek for harmony. Such harmony is not to be found in dogmatic homogenization or elimination of difference. It can only come through a grassroots discovery of commonality within difference, and difference within commonality.

Master Sheng-yen
World Economic Forum, New York
February 1, 2002