The Age of Division:
When Dialogue Breaks Down
Truly, these are dark times—times of strife and growing hatred.
In today’s world, we seem less interested in finding common ground and more focused on highlighting differences. As a result, respectful dialogue—especially in moments of disagreement or conflict—is increasingly lost. Even worse, the intention to seek such dialogue is fading.
We no longer strive for peaceful, balanced resolutions between opposing views. Instead, discourse is replaced by division, and mutual attentiveness is replaced by ideological entrenchment.
In this climate, discord is often sown without real understanding. Everyone believes they are absolutely right. And all too often, this leads to hatred—the kind that spirals into chaos. People are defamed, attacked—verbally, physically, psychologically. Entire societies are intentionally polarized.
Above all, the mental and spiritual well-being of individuals plays almost no role in this development, as material values have become the sole benchmark of worth. Once again, I find myself ashamed to be part of this ignorant society—and of my own occasional complicity, when I am drawn into similar behaviors.
With this mindset, we will never escape the cycle of hatred.
Is this what we truly want? Is this how we wish to be treated? I don’t believe so.
Rediscovering Our Shared Essence Beyond Ego and Identity
What unites us is a shared essence—a core that lies beyond all material things, beyond birth or background, beyond ideology, belief, or even species. This core connects chaos and order. It is the source of our inner balance—if we’re willing to explore it deeply and understand its nature.
To know this core is to grasp the fundamental truth behind all existence.
This essence—our consciousness, our soul, the true “I” beyond the ego—makes us all equal.
And no, there are no exceptions. To borrow George Orwell’s words from Animal Farm: no one is “more equal” than anyone else.
Practicing Compassion and Awareness in Everyday Life
So, in light of this, may we not allow ourselves to be swept away by the vortex of ignorance and hate. Resist the urge to judge others blindly or to slot them into prefabricated boxes—even if that path seems easier, even if it satisfies a primal instinct.
Transcending the Kali Yuga Through Inner Stillness
It’s time to release the outdated idea of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”
That voice belongs to the false ego—and it will not help us rise above the darkness of the Kali Yuga.
Instead, let us remain steadfast. Stay grounded—in humility, peace, compassion, and a mindset anchored in what truly matters: the light within ourselves and within all living beings.
Wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita
As the Bhagavad Gita teaches:
“One who is not envious but is a kind friend to all living beings, who is free from possessiveness and false ego, who remains balanced in both happiness and distress, who is forgiving, content, self-controlled, and fully dedicated to Me with mind and intelligence focused—such a devotee is very dear to Me.” (Bhagavad Gita 12.13–14)
Let’s just try.
For ourselves, for each other, for the whole world.
Thank you for your attention.
May all beings find peace and happiness.
