The Secret of Unity

There were hundreds of visitors present in the zoo. Some of them were busy eating and drinking on the open lawns. Some were watching various animals. Some were strolling here and there without a care in the world.

But then there was the sound of a lion roaming about and it was rumoured that a lion had got out of his cage. As soon as people heard this, they ran towards the exit gate. Those who had seemed to be quite separate individuals till now, all with one accord, began to walk in one direction. All kinds of different activities stopped and became centred at a single point.

This is an example which shows how the intensity of fear ends differences of opinion. In such a situation, every person becomes attentive to whatever deserves the most urgent attention. Everybody starts fearing that one thing which is most to be feared. Everybody’s thoughts become focused on one point alone, the ultimate and unalterable issue.

Differences among people arise because they are not focused on what is quintessential. When an individual faces a fearful situation, all things of secondary importance automatically disappear. At that time, what generally happens is that the attention of most of the people turns towards the most burning issue. All other things of lesser importance are immediately forgotten about. And when that happens, unity will definitely come to the fore.

Differences arise when the eyes of the people are not directed towards the most significant and ultimate end. Therefore, the only successful way to achieve unity is to divert people’s attention from things of lesser importance and re-direct it towards what is most important. This is what happens when a country is attacked by some enemy. At that moment all the individuals of a nation become united.

Studies reveal that at the time of a threat from any enemy, even animals become united. In a devastating flood, dog and cat and snake and mongoose have been found sitting together in silence. But such unity is at the animal level. Human unity is that which arises from the fear of God and thoughts of the life Hereafter. The latter form of unity is of a higher level and more enduring.