Talk:The World as One Family

By Vishal Agarwal

Beyond the bonds of one’s immediate household, the Vedas exhort humanity to embrace a broader vision where the entire world is seen as a single family. One should not view others as enemies or outsiders but cultivate friendship with all beings. This teaching extends beyond human society to encompass all creatures and the universe itself, wishing for universal peace and harmony.

These are mine own, these are not my people – Such are the thoughts of lowly people. For them who have a generous and a large heart, the entire world is one great family. Sāmaveda, Mahopaniṣad 6.72

Almighty Lord! May all creatures see me, the strong one, with a friendly eye! May I see all creatures with a friendly eye! May we all see each other as friends! Mādhyandina Yajurveda 36.18

May the Heavens grant us Peace, May the Skies grant us Peace. May the Earth grant us Peace. May we get Peace from the Waters, Peace from our grains, Peace from the wild Plants. May all the wise men generate Peace, May the Scriptural teachings promote Peace. May everything in this world grant me Peace, May Peace give me Peace. And may that great and true Peace abide in me. Mādhyandina Yajurveda 36.17

Story: Sant Ekanāth and the Crying Child

Sant Ekanāth (1533–1599) demonstrated through his life that the highest worship is to serve others with compassion.

One day, while bathing in the River Godāvarī, Ekanāth saw a poor woman who had come with her infant and a bucket to fetch water. After filling her bucket, she absentmindedly left for home without taking the infant. Hearing the baby cry, Ekanāth immediately picked up the child and lovingly carried him back to the mother at her doorstep. Overjoyed, she thanked him with tears.

When news spread, some Brāhmaṇas criticized Ekanāth, saying he had defiled himself by touching the child of an untouchable family and insisted he must bathe 108 times in the river to purify himself. Ekanāth firmly replied that it was his dharm to help the crying child and reunite him with his mother.

At that moment, a leper appeared, saying he had been instructed by Lord Vithoba of Paṇḍharpur to seek Ekanāth. Vithoba had told him that Ekanāth’s act of returning the untouchable child had generated immense good karm, and if Ekanāth shared it, the leper would be cured.

Ekanāth humbly declared he did not know if he had earned merit but, out of compassion, offered all his karm. He took water in his palms, invoked Lord Viṣṇu’s name, and sprinkled it on the leper. Miraculously, the leprosy vanished. Witnessing this, the narrow-minded Brāhmaṇas were ashamed, realizing that in the eyes of the Divine, Ekanāth had indeed performed a righteous and noble deed.