Conflict is distressing whether it be in the home, at work, in the community or between nations. However, the most baffling conflict to me has always been the conflict 
between religions. People who believe in God, a Creator, or an absolute source of goodness and love have so much in common. The belief in a divine source of life gives us a sense of identity, a feeling of structure and purpose, and a rational for morality and ethics. As with any conflict, a solution can only be found when we seek common ground.
The common ground between various religious points of view can be found in the realm of heart, intention or purpose. When I think about why people worship, pray, study scripture or practice rituals I first think that these acts are an expression of gratitude for the inherent goodness life. Secondly I think that religious practice is an expression of seeking fulfillment, knowing that there is a larger reality than our finite existence, and wanting to stay in touch with that larger reality. If we seek common ground with people of other belief systems by staying focused on their good motivation we will find many similarities.
Joy and Happiness
Consider the texts below and how they all speak to the human desire for happiness, and that our happiness is rooted in unselfish acts or righteousness.
“It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100, Judaism and Christianity
“No person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden for them-as a reward for their good deeds.” Qur’an 32.17, Islam
“No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2.9, Christianity
“The soul which is free from the defect of karma gets to the highest point of the universe, knows all and perceives all, and obtains the transcendental bliss everlasting.” Kundakunda, Pancastikaya 170, Jainism
“The experiences we owe to our sense of touch are only sources of unpleasantness. They have a beginning and an end. A wise man takes no pleasure in them. That man is disciplined and happy who can prevail over the turmoil that springs from desire and anger, here on earth, before he leaves his body.” Bhagavad Gita 5.22-23, Hinduism
“Of all gains, good health is the greatest. Of all wealth, contentment is the greatest. Among kinsmen, the trusty is the greatest. Freedom is the ultimate happiness.” Dhammapada 204, Buddhism
“To seek gladness through righteous persistence is the way to accord with heaven and to respond to men.” I Ching 58: Joy, Confucianism
