We have just celebrated the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King. One of his most famous addresses was the “I have a dream” speech where he stated:

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Reading some current commentaries, we see how if this phrase is quoted by a “white” person then it is considered racist. What has the world come to?

From a spiritual perspective, this is incredibly ignorant. It seems we have entered an age when the old maxim “don’t judge a book by its cover” has now been replaced by “you must judge a book by its cover.”

Such ideas will not bring peacefulness and happiness but result in “othering” people, sowing division and hate and causing pain and suffering.

The spiritual perspective to be cultivated when dealing with all others is laid out in the following ancient texts:

He is a perfect yogī who, by comparison to his own self, sees the true equality of all beings, in both their happiness and their distress, O Arjuna! Bhagavan-gita 6.32

He by whom no one is put into difficulty and who is not disturbed by anyone, who is equipoised in happiness and distress, fear and anxiety, is very dear to Me. Bg 12.15

“The Supreme Soul is very satisfied with the transcendentalist when they greet other people with tolerance, mercy, friendship and equality.” - Bhāgavata Purāṇa 4.11.13

"The duty of one seeking enlightenment is to culture the quality of forgiveness, which is illuminating like the sun. The Supreme Lord, Hari, is pleased with those who are forgiving. - Bhāgavata Purāṇa 9.15.40