On Thursday, a certain incident set me thinking (as usual) Now it's regarding the matter of religious/racial tolerance and understanding.

I shan't name names here, but if you were reading this now, you should know it refers to you. There was a conversation regarding the public holiday on 31st May - Vesak Day. An individual as me why I didn't go to the temple to pray. There's nothing wrong in this - as he was just curious. So I explained to him that Vesak Day was a Buddhist event and had nothing to do with me since I was a Hindu. Then this smart-aleck said - "All the same lah. All also Indian...got fire coming out of their heads and all." in a rather insulting tone. And somehow others found it funny, and started to laugh. I was sorely tempted to add in a few remarks regarding his religion but chose not to do so, as I felt that it was rather immature. Besides, you can't fault the ignorant can you. I mean, if you don't know what you are talking about and are just trying to act smart - just shut it. That, and listen when someone who knows better tries to explain.

FYI, according to a census survey conducted in 2000, a vast majority of Buddhists were actually Chinese while Indians formed a small minority. Also, it should be noted that true Buddhism focuses on the teachings of Buddha, unlike in Singapore where it is intertwined with folk traditions (though this is decreasing currently.) Thus, it follows that the practice is not exactly a theistic one, but one which focuses on principles and values.

My point is that religious understanding - especially among youths - is not exactly on the level that most of us would like to believe it is. I feel that there has been a decline with regards to said understanding. Just to clarify - I'm not basing this on an isolated incident, but on a prolonged observation. We youth have not experienced the tumultuous times (e.g: the Maria Hertogh riots) that our parents and grandparents have undergone. So possibly, it could mean that we may not actually understand the consequences that a lack of understanding and tolerance could create. But as an educated and rational society, do we actually need such events to foster closer inter-religious bonds?

A more important idea is that, for a harmonious society to exist in Singapore, acceptance of others' religions and customs has to be achieved and not merely tolerance. Competitive comparisons should not occur, i.e my-religion-is-better-than-yours attitudes should be eliminated. Instead, one should be able to say - "That he is a follower of this belief is his own personal right. It doesn't make a difference to me - I still treat him all the same"

Before this can occur, religious understanding has to act as a foundation. This can be attained if we are willing to set aside our misconceptions and prejudices we may have regarding other religions, and try to learn with an open mind about those religions. This can be done through various sources, whether through print/no-print sources or simply by talking to friends of different races and religions. Once we know better, we would then be able to slowly progress to the vaunted acceptance stage. It is then that a true tension-free environment can be achived in our country.

P.S: I am not saying that there is no religious understanding and such in Singapore but that we could do better in this aspect.