Is there common ground? Part two

each one of us is part of the human race

Grounded by the principle of interconnected-ness via unity with diversity, the previous post outlined the first big picture aspect of common ground that can assist in reimagining a new Western cultural identity and values system. The first aspect was: we all share the one planet. This post outlines the second big picture aspect of common ground.

Common ground 2: The human tradition

Each one of us is part of the human race. The human race is one species among many within the wider community of life. This understanding gives rise to the notion of the human tradition. The human tradition situates all of humanity within the evolutionary process of being and becoming. The human tradition spans across time from ancient civilisations till the present; it takes into account human history as a whole, including religious, secular, and First Nations’ meaning-making traditions. Therefore, even though the human race has copious meaning-making belief systems, each of the belief systems sits within the wider human tradition.

In relation to the principle of interconnectedness via unity with diversity, whether an individual, community, or nation identifies as Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Jew, First Nation, atheist, pantheist/panentheist, pagan, animist, or humanist, they do so in the knowledge that their meaning-making belief system is both unique within itself, as well as being part of the greater whole of the human tradition. In this way, the human tradition is the common ground that binds together the various meaning-making traditions.

Spiritual practice
Contemplatively explore the how the metaphors, rituals, and images that shape the beliefs and practices of your religious/spiritual/philosophical tradition intersect/not intersect with the principle of interconnectedness via unity with diversity.

The next post will outline - common ground 3. This third aspect reaches into the very heart of what it means to be a human being.