Thus it is mandatory that each dialogue partner define what it means to be an authentic member of his own tradition. Both must come to learn from each other. Therefore, if, for example, the Muslim views Hinduism as inferior, or if the Hindu views Islam as inferior, there will be no dialogue. This rule also indicates that there can be no such thing as a one-way dialogue. Understandably and properly, the Jews came to these exchanges only to teach Christians, although the Christians came mainly to learn.
Dialogue can take place only on the basis of mutual trust.
But a dialogue among persons can be built only on personal trust. Hence it is wise not to tackle the most difficult problems in the beginning, but rather to approach first those issues most likely to provide some common ground, thereby establishing the basis of human trust. Then, gradually, as this personal trust deepens and expands, the more thorny matters can be undertaken. Persons entering into interreligious, interideological dialogue must be at least minimally self-critical of both themselves and their own religious or ideological traditions. A lack of such self-criticism implies that one's own tradition already has all the correct answers.