Short sentences and direct language were encouraged over a teaching or lecturing style, and the testimony of the tradition was never in reference or comparison to another's tradition. Consequently, there was a prevalent feeling of being heard, of each tradition being taken seriously, and of each one's truth becoming clearer in the light of the experience and tradition of others. This memorable event is the latest in a series of dialogues which have brought monastics from East and West to visit one another's homes and share wisdom. A commentary by Buddhists on the Rule of St. Benedict and documentaries on National Public Radio and Public Broadcasting System are also in development. The first is that being faithful to one's tradition, and going as deep as possible into the truths, practices, insights and particularities of one's religion, are beneficial to all people.
Religion never divides serious seekers.
A second recurrent theme was that anger must be rooted out in order to move toward peace in one's heart and throughout the planet. The third recognition was that monastic life can offer a great contribution to wisdom and compassion. If one simply lives in a monastery without practice, there is no benefit, but true practitioners can contribute much wisdom and compassion to this time in history. The next century should be a century of dialogue.