Where did our Ubuntu go?
Ubuntu, compassion, and interconnectedness describe the sense of belonging and community that I often hear spoken of in nostalgic tones.
Nostalgic because the world as it is now often seems overwhelmingly sad, heavy, violent and frankly toxic with no place or respect for these “softer” attributes. We look hopefully towards the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and at the many organisationsbworking so hard to build peace and restore a balanced, healthy relationship between humans and nature. More significantly in the current Climate Change emergency, they remind us humans are intrinsically a part of Nature: our own woes are a reflection of the planet’s.
Ten years ago a group of religious scholars gathered to determine the common values of all their faiths, with the vision of creating a meeting place for people of all religions and none. The document sought to establish commonality, to identify a value that was the primary moral motivator for humanity. That value turned out to be compassion, and the expression of “The Golden Rule” that flows through all the world’s sacred texts: treat others as you wish to be treated. The document is called the Charter for Compassion and includes guidelines for a considerate and inclusive life.
How are we doing with that? Movies, even children’s movies, contain increasing levels of violence. The fight between good and evil is reflected again and again, the outcome horrifyingly uncertain. Science tells us that what goes up must come down, and what goes in will come out. As a society, we are deeply focused on pain and bad news. That is what we continue to produce in many forms.
It is possible to shift our thinking. We are shown the possibility of a new perspective by our celebrated rugby players after they won the world cup, who spoke of how sharing their joy brings others joy. It’s not a new idea, but it is refreshing to be reminded of the blessing of being in community with each other. Remember the African way – in times of struggle, the creative energy of song and dance, of telling stories, has been used to effectively strengthen purpose and unify community. It has helped people overcome overwhelming challenges. That’s the story the children are told.
Compassion is seen as a weakness. We dismiss play as being only for children. Yet, Christianity teaches we should become like a little child. Buddhism teaches the value of purity of mind. Islam teaches the importance of a pure heart. These messages speak into the human need to reclaim innocence, and start to focus on a different aspect of our story. Compassion requires courage. Bernard de Koeven wrote that play, when it becomes deep enough, can heal the world.
Inspiration arrives when people from completely different backgrounds engage in heart to heart conversation. Magic happens. We infuse each other with our joy, and we are regenerated. Ubuntu is rediscovered.
Rev Berry Behr, Cape Town Interfaith Initiative Chair 2017 to 2023
