Brotherhood is the relationship which unites all people in one global family. With the attitude of brotherhood, all conflicts, all fighting and all loneliness can be replaced with understanding, solidarity and a feeling of belonging. Brotherhood is the consciousness with which we can transcend the external differences we use to divide ourselves into black and white, rich and poor, European and Asian, and so on. Even within such divisions there may not be much in common and two people of the same religion or nationality often find that they are different from each other in countless ways; we will have to look more deeply than that to find the true spirit of brotherhood.

To develop this attitude we must understand that we are all interconnected and that the ways in which we are different, which will remain, do not pose a threat to us or need divide us. It is these differences which make the world more beautiful, like a garden filled with a variety of flowers. However, if there is no understanding of the links between us and the ways in which we are the same, these same differences can soon become the reason for fragmentation and conflict.

Irrespective of which, if any, religion or philosophy we adhere to, or what citizenship we have, the colour of our skin or our social status, we have a common heritage. We are all citizens of the same planet. We are all souls and, as children of the same Father, God, are also brothers. Brotherhood is the message and the need of our age, because a brotherly attitude automatically produces the feelings and an atmosphere of mutual co-operation. Nothing great can be achieved without the element of co-operation. The spirit of brotherhood can work wonders because it focuses our attention on the spirituality and inherent goodness of each one. Seeing that goodness, in the self and in others, we are able to build bridges that cross all boundaries, that go beyond all limitations and discrimination. We can unite our hands and hearts and together transform this world into a family home of harmonious and happy coexistence.