Unity Principles
Universalism is a philosophy of fundamental beliefs and values that promote the idea of unity, compassion, and equality among all individuals and cultures regardless of their cultural, religious, or individual differences. The Principles of Universalism are foundational ideas that underpin this worldview and guide individuals and societies in their pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable world. While interpretations may vary, here are some core principles of Universalism:
Equality: The principle of equality asserts that all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status, are inherently equal in worth and dignity. It promotes the idea that no one should be discriminated against or treated unfairly based on these characteristics.
Compassion: Compassion is the capacity to understand and empathize with the suffering of others and the desire to alleviate that suffering. It encourages individuals to grow in their sense of interconnectedness and care for one another by showing kindness and empathy toward others, especially those facing suffering, hardship, or adversity.
Nonviolence: Nonviolence, or ahimsa in some traditions, emphasizes the avoidance of harm or violence towards any living being. It encourages peaceful conflict resolution, forgiveness, and a commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and understanding rather than aggression.
Tolerance: Tolerance promotes the acceptance and respect of diverse beliefs, opinions, and cultures. It encourages open-mindedness and the willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation with people of differing perspectives.
Unity in Diversity: This principle recognizes that diversity is a natural and enriching aspect of human existence. It encourages people to embrace and celebrate the differences in cultures, languages, and traditions while recognizing the underlying unity that connects all humanity.
Service to Humanity: Service to humanity is the practice of selflessly helping others and contributing to the well-being of the broader community. It emphasizes the importance of giving back, volunteering, and working for the betterment of society.
Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Siblinghood: These terms symbolize the sense of familial connection and shared humanity among all people. They represent the idea that every individual is part of a global family and should be treated with love, respect, and care.
Inclusivity: The idea that all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity, should be included and treated with respect and dignity. It rejects exclusionary practices based on factors such as race, religion, gender, or nationality.
Equality: This principle asserts that all human beings are inherently equal in worth and value. It calls for equal opportunities and rights for everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, abilities, religious or philosophical views, sex, gender expression, or any other characteristic.
Human Rights: This principle upholds the concept of universal human rights, as outlined and protected in documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It asserts that these rights apply to all people, regardless of where they live or their cultural background.
Peace: Peace is the absence of conflict and violence, as well as the presence of harmony, tranquility, and cooperation. It encompasses both inner peace (personal well-being and balance) and outer peace (world peace and the resolution of conflicts). NEA encourages the pursuit of peace at all levels, from interpersonal relationships to international diplomacy, encouraging conflict resolution through dialogue, negotiation, and nonviolence.
Cultural Understanding: This principle encourages the understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives. It promotes intercultural dialogue and the recognition of the value of cultural diversity.
Social Welfare: This principle advocates for social welfare programs and policies that provide for the basic needs of all individuals, such as access to healthcare, education, and social support systems.
Justice: It advocates for fairness, accountability, and the rule of law in society. Universalists strive to rectify inequalities and ensure that individuals receive fair treatment and protection under the law and the absolute recognition of their rights, especially those of divine origin.
Education and Enlightenment: These principles underscore the significance of education and enlightenment as tools for promoting understanding, tolerance, and personal growth. They encourage the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom to uplift individuals and society as a whole.
Environmental Stewardship: Universal siblinghood and holistic unity also include a commitment to environmental sustainability and the responsible stewardship of the planet and all of Life. This acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life forms and the need to protect the environment for future generations.
Personal Responsibility: While advocating for social justice and equality, this principle emphasizes personal responsibility and ethical conduct. It calls on individuals to act in ways that promote the common good.
Cosmic Citizenship: Encourages individuals to recognize their interconnectedness with the cosmos including races and civilizations beyond the Earth and Physical Plane, and take responsibility for their actions, promoting a sense of global unity and stewardship of the Earth and beyond. It encompasses a broader perspective that extends beyond national boundaries, emphasizing the well-being of the entire planet, its inhabitants, and the greater cosmic family of Life.
These principles of Universalism promote a vision of a world where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, where justice and compassion prevail, and where the common values that unite humanity are celebrated and upheld. Universalism seeks to transcend divisions and promote a more inclusive and harmonious global society.
Equality: The principle of equality asserts that all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status, are inherently equal in worth and dignity. It promotes the idea that no one should be discriminated against or treated unfairly based on these characteristics.
Compassion: Compassion is the capacity to understand and empathize with the suffering of others and the desire to alleviate that suffering. It encourages individuals to grow in their sense of interconnectedness and care for one another by showing kindness and empathy toward others, especially those facing suffering, hardship, or adversity.
Nonviolence: Nonviolence, or ahimsa in some traditions, emphasizes the avoidance of harm or violence towards any living being. It encourages peaceful conflict resolution, forgiveness, and a commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and understanding rather than aggression.
Tolerance: Tolerance promotes the acceptance and respect of diverse beliefs, opinions, and cultures. It encourages open-mindedness and the willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation with people of differing perspectives.
Unity in Diversity: This principle recognizes that diversity is a natural and enriching aspect of human existence. It encourages people to embrace and celebrate the differences in cultures, languages, and traditions while recognizing the underlying unity that connects all humanity.
Service to Humanity: Service to humanity is the practice of selflessly helping others and contributing to the well-being of the broader community. It emphasizes the importance of giving back, volunteering, and working for the betterment of society.
Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Siblinghood: These terms symbolize the sense of familial connection and shared humanity among all people. They represent the idea that every individual is part of a global family and should be treated with love, respect, and care.
Inclusivity: The idea that all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity, should be included and treated with respect and dignity. It rejects exclusionary practices based on factors such as race, religion, gender, or nationality.
Equality: This principle asserts that all human beings are inherently equal in worth and value. It calls for equal opportunities and rights for everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, abilities, religious or philosophical views, sex, gender expression, or any other characteristic.
Human Rights: This principle upholds the concept of universal human rights, as outlined and protected in documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It asserts that these rights apply to all people, regardless of where they live or their cultural background.
Peace: Peace is the absence of conflict and violence, as well as the presence of harmony, tranquility, and cooperation. It encompasses both inner peace (personal well-being and balance) and outer peace (world peace and the resolution of conflicts). NEA encourages the pursuit of peace at all levels, from interpersonal relationships to international diplomacy, encouraging conflict resolution through dialogue, negotiation, and nonviolence.
Cultural Understanding: This principle encourages the understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives. It promotes intercultural dialogue and the recognition of the value of cultural diversity.
Social Welfare: This principle advocates for social welfare programs and policies that provide for the basic needs of all individuals, such as access to healthcare, education, and social support systems.
Justice: It advocates for fairness, accountability, and the rule of law in society. Universalists strive to rectify inequalities and ensure that individuals receive fair treatment and protection under the law and the absolute recognition of their rights, especially those of divine origin.
Education and Enlightenment: These principles underscore the significance of education and enlightenment as tools for promoting understanding, tolerance, and personal growth. They encourage the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom to uplift individuals and society as a whole.
Environmental Stewardship: Universal siblinghood and holistic unity also include a commitment to environmental sustainability and the responsible stewardship of the planet and all of Life. This acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life forms and the need to protect the environment for future generations.
Personal Responsibility: While advocating for social justice and equality, this principle emphasizes personal responsibility and ethical conduct. It calls on individuals to act in ways that promote the common good.
Cosmic Citizenship: Encourages individuals to recognize their interconnectedness with the cosmos including races and civilizations beyond the Earth and Physical Plane, and take responsibility for their actions, promoting a sense of global unity and stewardship of the Earth and beyond. It encompasses a broader perspective that extends beyond national boundaries, emphasizing the well-being of the entire planet, its inhabitants, and the greater cosmic family of Life.
These principles of Universalism promote a vision of a world where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, where justice and compassion prevail, and where the common values that unite humanity are celebrated and upheld. Universalism seeks to transcend divisions and promote a more inclusive and harmonious global society.