Unity and diversity -- individuality and togetherness -- I/Thou -- different ways to say the same thing. Not one, not two, but one and two. We are unique and distinct individuals, and we are also one. That is an incomprehensible mystery of life. My understanding is that each of us, and every animal, plant, and thing, a zillion zillion different forms, is an expression of one Being. Seeking unity through uniformity is really a low level of consciousness. We learn to appreciate unity in diversity by becoming awakened to it and realizing it and abiding in it, and there is a sense of calm in even beginning to do so. My personal experience is having at least a small sense of appreciating that as I look across at the other I see me -- there is a sense of calm in that.
On Oct 23, 2012 david doane wrote :