“Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.”

– Declaration of Principles on Tolerance: UNESCO 1995

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 16 November as an International Day for Tolerance. This day has been observed, annually, since 1995 to foster awareness of the dangers of intolerance. All over the world educators, religious, community and other organisations take time to celebrate this day in some form or another.

Intolerant behaviour often arises when we lack understanding and empathy for views, beliefs, traditions and behaviours that we don’t agree with or that differ from our own. Racism, sexism, ageism, unfair discrimination, oppression and injustice are all different forms of intolerance. But there are subtle intolerances, too, like anger, sarcasm or belittling a friend or family member …

As part of it’s Pause for Peace campaign, Brahma Kumaris hosts annual events to reflect on, discuss and debate the many forms of intolerance and the negative effects on people who are on the receiving end of intolerance.

Pause for Peace encourages the practice of meditation, which allows one to become more self-aware, mindful, reflective and able to respond from a place of neutrality, emotional calm and mental clarity – rather than from a place of reactive fear, anger or self-defence.

Sign up for our newsletter if you would like to be notified of a Pause to Tolerate event in your part of the world. Brahma Kumaris is also available to hold in-house corporate events on this day – or in celebration of this day. Contact us if you are interested.

All Brahma Kumaris events are offered free of charge, in a welcoming, safe and non-judgemental environment. All are welcome!

Please check our monthly calendar of EVENTS to see if and when this particular offering is available at a centre close to you. If not, and you would like to see it presented in your suburb, town or city or at your organisation, please send us a message via the form at the bottom of this page.