On this Earth, much of humanity’s cruelty stems from selfishness. Those who steal value their own possessions more than those of others, seeking to enrich themselves at others’ expense. The weak resort to deceit and theft, while the strong exploit and plunder, sometimes even taking lives. Consuming animals for sustenance means prioritizing one’s own life over theirs. In conflicts, each side strives to eliminate the other, valuing their own lives while disregarding their opponents’. This is how selfishness harms individuals and society.
To eradicate these harmful behaviors, it is crucial to cultivate universal love in everyone. What is universal love? It is an expansive and all-encompassing compassion. We must not only love our family and relatives but extend this love to all of humanity, regardless of nationality or ethnicity. Furthermore, we must expand our compassion to include all living beings.
1. WHY SHOULD WE LOVE ALL OF HUMANITY?
The diversity of human races and ethnicities on Earth arises from variations in geography and climate. Due to differences in temperature and environment, people exhibit various physical characteristics, such as skin color. However, these are merely external differences. In terms of our spiritual essence, we all share a divine spark (soul) bestowed by the Creator, enabling us to live and perceive. The Supreme Being has taught:
“I divided the Great Ultimate into the Two Principles, the Two Principles into the Four Symbols, the Four Symbols into the Eight Trigrams, and through the infinite transformations of the Eight Trigrams, I created the Universe and the World. I further divided my essence to create all beings: minerals, plants, insects, animals, and humans, collectively known as sentient beings.
You must understand that all life originates from my Divine Spirit. Wherever there is life, there am I. I am the father of life. Therefore, my love for life is boundless.”
Since the Supreme Being’s love for life is infinite, should we not align ourselves with this divine principle and love all of humanity as siblings born from the same father? By embracing such universal love, we avoid violating the laws of Heaven, thus upholding the Way of Heaven and truly worshipping Heaven. As the Confucian saying goes, “To preserve one’s heart is to serve Heaven.”
2. WHY SHOULD WE LOVE ALL LIVING BEINGS?
Animals are also part of sentient beings, and loving all sentient beings naturally includes loving animals. Although animals cannot speak, they experience pain, affection, and loyalty just like us. While they may be animals in this life, who knows what they might become in the next? We are human in this life, but who knows if we were not animals in a past life? Therefore, humans and animals are fundamentally the same, and as such, we should love and respect each other. This is the essence of universal love.
Because of universal love, religions emphasize compassion for animals, advocating for their release and prohibiting their killing. Ethicists throughout history have also urged kindness towards animals, discouraging harm and cruelty. In France, there are strict laws against animal cruelty (Loi de Gramont).
When we love and help others, they will reciprocate with love and support. When we respect others, they will respect us in return. By practicing universal love, we create a harmonious society and bring happiness to all. However, the human heart is like a spring; if its water constantly flows out without replenishment from rain, it will eventually dry up. Similarly, our capacity for universal love needs to be nourished and replenished to prevent it from diminishing. This nourishment comes from virtue. When individuals are virtuous, their compassion remains steadfast.
In conclusion, humanity’s ability to love one another stems from universal love. Universal love is sustained by virtue. Virtue arises from sincerity, and sincerity is the foundation of religion.
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