The Honolulu Star Advertiser newspaper’s “On Faith” column featured an article by the Most Rev. Stephen Randolph Sykes, Orthodox Bishop of Hawai‘i of the Inclusive Orthodox Church. In the July 3, 2010, edition Bishop Stephen was commenting about a video exchange between the Brazilian theologian Leonardo Boff and the Dalai Lama.
Bishop Sykes reported that the Dalai Lama was quoted as saying, "Take care of your thoughts because they become words; words because they become actions; actions because they become habits. Habits will form your character; character will form your destiny; and your destiny will be your life. There is no religion higher than the truth."
Bishop Sykes’ wrote in his commentary that: “In Matthew's gospel, Jesus speaks about the "Golden Rule." Jesus says, "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you." It is a message also given by the founders of all of the world's great religions, including the Buddha, Muhammad and Moses.
It is how we act, whether we are persons of integrity and authenticity, how we think about others and ourselves, that is more important than our religion and religious beliefs. To the extent it assists us successfully in leading a good life, we can say our religion is "the best."
Most Rev. Stephen Randolph Sykes is also an officer and member of the boards of directors of The Interfaith Alliance Hawai‘i and All Believers Network.
