Equality is not about sameness, difference or diversity. Equality is about value. It is the issues of separate and same and diverse and different that we often muddle this notion of equality. From my perspective, human equality is not that we need to look, act or succeed the same, but that no one life is more important than any other life no matter the look, actions or level of success.

The deterioration of equality begins with the Me-First focus we cultivate and then habituate. We think that what we want is of far greater value then anything anyone else might want. As soon as we make this distinction, we plant the seeds of conflict and suffering. And in some cases, this perception grows so insidiously, we’re willing to kill for it.

What we’re asking is not that we forsake our differences or diversities, but to recognize that the ultimate value of a human life is the same no matter who is living it. My declaration is to make sure I actualize that understanding in every thing I do.

It is not an easy choice for some to make. We make tremendous investments in ourselves and what we want, not necessarily because we are differentiating ourselves from others, but because it makes us feel like we are of greater value than others. This is nothing more than a perception, and by that nature, it is something wholly made up. Yet we are willing to fight and quarrel and wage war and destroy others so we can perceive ourselves as better. I have decided to put at end to that personal practice, and by this declaration I will deepen my practice based on the realization of our equal value and live my life as an inspiration to others to do likewise.