In Lak’ech Ala K’in — I am another you

At the recent ThinkNext announcement event, Salman bhai shared a powerful quote: “In Lak’ech Ala K’in” which translates to “I am you, and you are me.” The people from Mayan civilization used this greeting for honoring each other. The depth of this phrase stayed back with me. It wasn’t just a reminder of our shared humanity — it was a call to reflect on how we navigate the differences that so often separate us. In a world increasingly divided by opinions, cultures, and beliefs, this simple yet profound message felt especially relevant.

Yes, we are different. We come from diverse backgrounds, hold varied perspectives, and often see the world through different lenses. But at the end of the day, we are all the same. We live, we die, and in between, we work and strive to make meaning of our lives. It’s in that middle ground where we have a choice: we can let our differences lead to conflict and chaos, or we can choose to honor them, creating space for understanding and peace.

Too often, it feels like the world pushes us toward the former. Political divides, social unrest, personal disagreements — these are all fueled by a failure to see the common thread that binds us. But it doesn’t have to be this way. When we remember the essence of “In Lak’ech Ala K’in,” we begin to see that our differences don’t have to divide us. In fact, they can enrich us, offering new perspectives and deeper connections.

The Mayan philosophy behind this quote encourages us to view ourselves as reflections of one another. If I treat you with respect and compassion, I’m also honoring myself in the process. If I approach our differences with curiosity instead of judgment, we both stand to grow. But if I choose to respond with hostility or division, that same energy comes back to me. It’s a powerful reminder that our actions — good or bad — create ripples far beyond our individual lives.

What if, instead of focusing on what sets us apart, we started looking for the common ground that unites us? What if we actively chose peace in our everyday interactions, no matter how big or small? It’s not about erasing differences, but about acknowledging them without letting them drivea wedge between us. We can be different and still coexist harmoniously.

The choice is always there, waiting for us to make it.

The choice is ours — and it’s one that can shape not only our lives but the world around us.

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While writing this, I was asking myself- How should compassion act when someone intends to cause harm to the community?