Baba's thought for today.
"Man is now able to soar
into outer space and reach
to the moon:
but he is not moral enough
to live at peace with his neighbour."
This quote brings to mind the current 'strain' Malaysia and Indonesia are experiencing. Apparently the misreporting by Discovery Channel regarding the origin of the Balinese dance called "Tarian Pendet" started a furore regarding infringement into one's cultural heritage.
Debates by claimants of the 'copyright" of 'Batik', 'satay' and 'ayam percik' just to name a few may have led to temperatures reaching boiling point, even resulting in some unfortunate incidents faced by some Malaysians in a neighbouring country.
The real reason for this situation is only a point of conjecture but it is definitely something beyond 'batik' and 'satay'. But it is heartening to note that the leaders are working on ironing out the differences.
At our personal level, it calls for understanding, patience, tolerance and compassion to live peacefully with our neighbours. We should regard and treat our neighbours as our best friends for in a crisis, especially if it occurs in the dead of night, it will be our neighbours who will be the first people at our doorstep.
I am reminded of the common saying "Love thy neighbour as you love yourself" but it means more than just passing a plate of cookies across the fence!!
"Man is now able to soar
into outer space and reach
to the moon:
but he is not moral enough
to live at peace with his neighbour."
This quote brings to mind the current 'strain' Malaysia and Indonesia are experiencing. Apparently the misreporting by Discovery Channel regarding the origin of the Balinese dance called "Tarian Pendet" started a furore regarding infringement into one's cultural heritage.
Debates by claimants of the 'copyright" of 'Batik', 'satay' and 'ayam percik' just to name a few may have led to temperatures reaching boiling point, even resulting in some unfortunate incidents faced by some Malaysians in a neighbouring country.
The real reason for this situation is only a point of conjecture but it is definitely something beyond 'batik' and 'satay'. But it is heartening to note that the leaders are working on ironing out the differences.
At our personal level, it calls for understanding, patience, tolerance and compassion to live peacefully with our neighbours. We should regard and treat our neighbours as our best friends for in a crisis, especially if it occurs in the dead of night, it will be our neighbours who will be the first people at our doorstep.
I am reminded of the common saying "Love thy neighbour as you love yourself" but it means more than just passing a plate of cookies across the fence!!
Residential communities do organise events to promote fellowship as seen in the picture of a racing event for children in Parkside Drive, Peoria USA or social events to celebrate Halloween as seen in the second picture. All these do promote good neighbourliness but the bottom line is that we have to 'walk the talk".
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