World religions have a special obligation to contribute to the cause of the world peace. In the past, their confessional differences have led to violence, injustice and persecution. If they would pool their spiritual resources and give a witness to the world community of mutual respect, compassion, and understanding, political and nationalistic divisions might be more easily overcome. . . . Having listened and talked with masters of other traditions, I am more and more convinced that underlying the variety of conceptual frames of reference there is a unity that is not yet sufficiently grasped by people. If it could be, it would make an extraordinary difference in this world.

Seekers of the Ultimate Mystery have to share in the agony of our time. Trust alone can make this experience transforming for themselves and for others. As the sense of alienation from the Ultimate Mystery, from human values, and from oneself is very deep in our time, so also participation in that experience is bound to be very deep. It may involve an inner poverty so intense and so complete that no word can describe it except death.

The inner resurrection of one’s true self moves the whole human family in the direction of transformation. From this perspective the spiritual journey is the very reverse of selfishness. It is rather the journey to selflessness.

Humanity as a whole needs a breakthrough into the contemplative dimension of life. The contemplative dimension is the heart of the world. There the human family is already one. If one goes into one’s own heart, one will find oneself in the heart of everyone else.