"Surest Map to Peace" Reflections

At our 2025 Ikeda Forum on Engaging Difference in an Age of Division, participants filled out a “Surest Map to Peace” on which they were invited to brainstorm their personal journeys to peace. They first wrote down a situation or scenario in their life where difference exists. Then, related to that difference, they wrote down what they learned about human revolution and dialogue that would help them approach the difference. Below are their responses.

Map 1: 

Where the difference exists…

• Differing views with coworker → different philosophies around navigating issues of justice

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Resist temptation to only denounce → how can we build? → share ideas + invite more collaboration
• Flourishing is bound up with one another → help them thrive rather than staying caught in my frustration

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Keep a lens of compassion - we’re each a full story - sometimes I get frustrated because we both speak of “equity” but it seems like we mean different things → try to get curious about their story rather than making assumptions + staying frustrated at mismatch

—

Map 2:

Where the difference exists…

• I’ve been feeling the most distant with my family. I feel I can’t relate nor empathize anymore with our differences. They feel inconcilable How do you make someone listen to you when they refuse to hear you? To see you as their equal?

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Creating a safe space - a space of trust and acceptance of our differences

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I am still struggling with this with my ego, pride, and hurt, but asking more inquisitive, open, curious questions

—

Map 3:

Where the difference exists…

• My sister and I have very different relationships with both of our parents
• Attitudes towards race

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Being reflective about why certain circumstances allow me to give more/less grace
• Egoic shift away from being right/monopolizing truth

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Building spaces of trust before diving in
• It’s a practice, not magic

—

Map 4:

Where the difference exists…

• With my roommates/coworkers. Our working styles, how we address conflict, and how we communicate

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Engaging in differences is how I can practice human revolution. Staying committed to having a positive mindset & a safe dialogue space.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Dialogue muscles is strengthened when we practice our human revolution goals through dialogue

—

Map 5:

Where the difference exists…

• Having a “friend” who wrote hate comments on social media on someone I care about (family) due to political differences

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• To lower our ego, and start a dialogue, even when we feel like we didn’t start

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Engaging in dialogue, even when it’s tough is better than dismissing the issue.

—

Map 6:

Where the difference exists…

• With my friends sometimes our moods are different, or our perceived success. And I judge them for that 

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• I learned that in hearing someone else’s truth, my own sense of self might change.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• They might not change right away, but you never know. 

—

Map 7:

Where the difference exists…

• There are differences amongst food groups which friends consume
• Politics 

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• We can find foods we eat in common
• We should work together

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• We still love each other even if we disagree on foods

—

Map 8:

Where the difference exists…

• Friends with all different types of religious beliefs

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• That human revolution starts with us, and once each person puts in efforts, it can be sustainably achieved throughout the world

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• That creating spaces for open dialogue is important so we can understand where the other person is coming from; we can’t force conversation upon people

—

Map 9:

Where the difference exists…

• I’ve been friends with my roommate for a long time but sometimes feel very uncomfortable w/ her b/c she’s a lot less willing to talk about things than I am.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Looking beyond just her actions & unwillingness to talk and trying to understand where she’s coming from

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Finding a way to engage her in a candid conversation about why she may feel more comfortable asking questions than talking.

—

Map 10:

Where the difference exists…

• On a bus, I was asked for money by a homeless guy with feces. I went to cus with him but dehumanized him in my heart.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Conceptually, I thought I see myself in everyone, but I realized that I can only do human revolution by going through these uncomfortable situations.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I think it’s about practicing a bit every day so that, in such situations, I can see myself in that person’s shoes.

—

Map 11:

Where the difference exists…

• My work space - have a different opinion on what I should do [to] take the next step to further my career
• Death

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• More dialogue with him as he might have different experiences to share and understand his perspective

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• To not judge him on first thought I get

—

Map 12:

Where the difference exists…

• My life where a difference exist were traveling different places, making new friends, and seeing different sights.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• I learn about human revolution today that would help me approach this difference is to know the place, what it looks like, learn their names, and far away places.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• It help me approach this difference by sharing with others.

—

Map 13:

Where the difference exists…

• On my campus, there’s a clear divide on people who support Palestine and those who support Israel on the ongoing genocide of Gaza

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Creating a safe space for both parties to engage in conversation. And also realize when dialogue is not possible, such as in many cases in my school.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Giving enough time to speak to learn where they are coming from and their context

—

Map 14:

Where the difference exists…

• My perspective & my friend’s perspective on what I should prioritize & what it means to be a good friend.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Overcoming my ego of needing to prove I am right 

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Seeking to find our shared values & what I agree with

—

Map 15:

Where the difference exists…

• I share a wall with my neighbor, and she is very volatile, reactive and conflictual.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Trying to humanize her in my mind, perhaps recognizing that I am privileged with a relatively peaceful mind.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• If we could someday dialogue to share our stories and background we might develop mutual respect

—

Map 16:

Where the difference exists…

• Knowledge barrier between higher level surgeons and education difference

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Accept, embrace, address

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Opening a discussion about the areas where the difference is felt will bridge that gap

—

Map 17:

Where the difference exists…

• Within my workplace, I’ve often felt a mismatch in the values I hold and those of my direct supervisor/advisor. Our identities and goals in life have led us to different places.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Human revolution requires COURAGE and ACTION. It feels uncomfortable and sometimes scary to start certain conversations & “ruffle feathers,” but we need the courage to act or else nothing changes.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I think dialogue flourishes where humility is most present; humility and humanity. When I can recognize my humanity + that in others, I am best able to listen and speak.

—

Map 18:

Where the difference exists…

• Understanding where my mom is coming from, why she gets frustrated sometimes and what bogs her down

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• I’ve been on a journey of realizing and internalizing that she is human and that it is also her first time living too. Instead of getting frustrated I hope to just engage in more harmonious conversations w/ her about where her frustrations may be coming from.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Be willing/open to engaging in difficult conversations. Truly be curious and understanding

—

Map 19:

Where the difference exists…

• My husband is Afro-Jamaican, and my stepdaughter’s family in Maine have a Ku Klux Klan symbol in their kitchen. It is tearing our family apart.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• I have to transform my anger and grief at the situation into hopeful action, by reaching out to my stepdaughter’s relatives to share how hurtful the symbol is.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Never give up!

—

Map 20:

Where the difference exists…

• Politics and family → wants to other many people
• How do you not other someone who wants to other everyone else.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Learning about how the scarcity mindset can inform the rest of perspectives

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Courage: vulnerability + risk

—

Map 21:

Where the difference exists…

• At workplace, working with my boss or political appointees that implement agenda that I cannot support

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Looking in internally and asking myself ‘What can I do or need to change?’ Become open to understand them + their whys. Do not stop engaging.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Building trust + feel safe (myself) so that I can have dialogue
• develop/have courage

—

Map 22:

Where the difference exists…

• How people are treated based on their background
  • ie. environmental justice → such as where waste is located or good/bad resources are

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• More people see themselves as individuals versus part of a larger and connected community, people see different people as “others” and want to prevent others from having resources or access out of scarcity or sometimes fear, superiority attitude

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Sometimes finding common ground takes time and patience. You also have to secure a safe space. In the future, when there is conflict I will try to remember this.

—

Map 23:

Where the difference exists…

• Student with very different upbringing and views complaining about political ideology in classroom

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Despite my differing views on the situation , it’s up to me to change my heart and create a space for dialogue and understanding. He has humanity, even if I don’t agree with his views.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I have to be willing to hear his story so I can support his needs as a student on our campus. We don’t have to agree, but we have to be open. It’s up to me.

—

Map 24:

Where the difference exists…

• My father and I have very different views. Oftentimes, I simply feel resigned and don’t engage in dialogue with him.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• I feel that I should foster within myself a more genuine curiosity toward why he thinks the way he does.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I think I should discard my righteous sense of “correctness” and give him a fairer hearing.

—

Map 25:

Where the difference exists…

• Unhappy member of our team at work
• Difference in political views w/family
• Friends living w/anger + despair over our political climate

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Recognize our differences
• Create a shared safe space to listen/air/strategize
• Release ego → listen more
• Hold space for peace

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Dialogue allows us to see how we are similar, rather than how we are different. We must resolve to a space where we are all okay – our shared peaceful existence

—

Map 26:

Where the difference exists…

• My relation to my siblings has weakened. Difference is built to living conditions.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• More time should be spent to build safe environment.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Goodwill leads to better outcome.

—

Map 27:

Where the difference exists…

• My father-in-law and I have very different views on politics.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• I learned that it takes courage to look within and find your source of hatred or animosity. Acknowledging the evil in myself is the first step toward human revolution.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Since the cause of tension or animosity exists w/ me, I only need to change myself/not others.

—

Map 28:

Where the difference exists…

• Family members
  • Dad, mom, sister, brother
• Family value…
• Role of parents
• How to address family disunity

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Anna’s story about Setsuko touched me. Overcoming ego what is right or not from my understanding, wear the other person’s shoes try to understand. We don’t know based on what they said, need to know on whole picture.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Set aside on my own agenda, listening to the other person, building trust between is the foremost important not place from judgement.

—

Map 29:

Where the difference exists…

• Family

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Courage, humility

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Ask questions, listen, be vulnerable

—

Map 30:

Where the difference exists…

• There is someone in my building that has a very hostile attitude towards others.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• That my human revolution begins with me taking responsibility for what happens in my environment!

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• To set up platforms for constructive, compassionate dialogues.

—

Map 31:

Where the difference exists…

• A scenario where I felt that difference existed was when I needed to choose a sport to play and I have never really done sports

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• I learned today that [it] is good and ok to learn about different perspectives and it is very important.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I learned that it takes time to learn trust and you should learn about different perspectives.

—

Map 32:

Where the difference exists…

• New neighbors

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Importance of sharing stories

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Risk telling a story first

—

Map 33:

Where the difference exists…

• Family political differences

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Need to create safe spaces for discussion, open to change one’s identity

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Listening w/ openness and intent to learn hearing more context re: lived experiences

—

Map 34:

Where the difference exists…

• Different opinions about Charlie Kirk in my church

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Curiosity to learn the stories/experiences behind the differences–and mirroring human presence.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Presence - human mirroring, recognizing pain in the other. Empathy

—

Map 35:

Where the difference exists…

• A friend of my friend told us she hates people who study education and thinks they’re bad. As a person who study education, I disagree.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• It has to be some reasons behind this statement. Soon I learned that her roommates are majoring education and causes lots of trauma to her.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I want to start a dialogue with her for sharing our perspectives. Embrace her in conversation and challenge oneself for new ideas. 

—

Map 36:

Where the difference exists…

• My relationship with my aunt/larger family

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Listening more about their rationales

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• By looking at them as people rather than archetypes or representatives of an idea. Being more patient.

—

Map 37:

Where the difference exists…

• A dialogue partner who views ICE abductions as statistics rather than emotional and psychological injustice that is ripping our communities apart.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Today I learned that human revolution starts by wrapping ourselves in each other’s experiences rather than following the structures of scarcity our institutions promote.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I learned that open dialogue can’t take place with vulnerability & risk until mutual trust is created.

—

Map 38:

Where the difference exists…

• Always see myself as the others, the stateless students - unaware of this situation until I began teaching

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• About citizenship and migration - education is a transformative tool
  • - human-revolution
  • - non-human

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Learn from mistake
• Create intentional space
• Live ourselves wrapped-up in other’s life continuously 

—

Map 39:

Where the difference exists…

• Opposing beliefs around identity politics and ideologies

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• A revolution toward peace and supportive coexistence requires 1) courage 2) curiosity and 3) compassion.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Dialogue needs a safe container which is most likely not online or via text. We need to feel each other’s humanity.

—

Map 40:

Where the difference exists…

• Divisiveness in “peacebuilding” group (“They” do not think like us.)

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Not to run from conversation
• Be open to hearing the whole story

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Use my privilege
• Be consistently courageous
• Leave space for healing

—

Map 41:

Where the difference exists…

• My relationship w/ my family, especially my sister. They all voted for Trump & when I was finally able to try to talk to my sister again – her steadfast support of the direction our country is going sickened me, left me feeling as though I didn’t know her anymore; we have nothing in common anymore.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• That I need to shift from a place of believing that I am right & her beliefs/views are wrong

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• To be more curious. What has happened in her life to bring her to the place where she sees the world in the ways that she does. (I don’t understand this because we grew up in the same family.) To be willing to hear her story b/c even though we are from the same family we’ve had different life experiences.

—

Map 42:

Where the difference exists…

• Safety for woman in a different regions… 

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Human revolution begins with “me”, to come to solution you have to start working on yourself.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• We are not alone and we should live experience all together.

—

Map 43:

Where the difference exists…

• A situation in my life where a difference exists would be my academic atmosphere, which is women-centered, unlike most educational institutions.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Because of the unfamiliar experiences, which include having a co-educational background, I’m not used to being in an academic environment where I might experience misogyny or assume life experiences more than what they might seem. I’m afraid of dealing with such situations.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Just being able to confront my misconception and ignorance. I also believe putting myself in situations where I have to push myself and evolve as a human being.

—

Map 44:

Where the difference exists…

• Live with flatmates who find it difficult to clean, leaving the apartment dirty when I don’t clean

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Take a breath to excuse them, and try to understand the background they evolve from. Become more open to accommodate them.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• When you accommodate people of divergent lifestyle it create room for dialogue. We had a dialogue and resolved.

—

Map 45:

Where the difference exists…

• Conversations about religion & politics with my extended family

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• If I look inward and try to understand my own beliefs better, I can learn the kinds of questions to ask to understand my family

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• It’s not meant to be easy – there’s no point waiting for it to be easy or perfect. ENGAGE ANYWAYS. Even when it’s so difficult and even painful.

—

Map 46:

Where the difference exists…

• In 2020, I was sharing an apartment with 2 other people. On a Sunday, one of my roommates decided to clean the kitchen. While they were cleaning the shelf, they moved a bag of onions from the shelf this belonged to my other roommate to make to clean their shelf, but forgot to put it back so my roommate accused me of “stealing” their onions.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• They didn’t believe me when I told them that I did not steal it. On the contrary they accused me of lying to defend myself.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• When someone isn’t interested in having a dialogue, you can’t force them

—

Map 47:

Where the difference exists…

• Difference in the acceptance of political figures

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• To shift my thinking in terms of the amount of difference I actually have with the other person

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• To ask more questions and to be genuinely curious about their learned experience
• Practice curiosity as a practice

—

Map 48:

Where the difference exists…

• I’ve argued with companions on the polarization of U.S. politics. The difference resides in how each of us places our values before sharing.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Breach superficial barriers to engage in meaningful dialogue
• Bridge separation

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Dialogue, practiced in an idyllic scenario, can work. In reality, it is very different. There needs to be intentional spaces for dialogue. Scenarios can become reality when spaces for dialogue become ubiquitous.

—

Map 49:

Where the difference exists…

• The war in Ukraine. There’s a big polarity right now in Kazakhstan, a huge beef [with] the generations
• Post Soviet education vs old school, the cult of a persona with Russian positions

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Be less individual - develop the empathy
• A big intake; people can change their opinion when they heard by others
• Someone once said, people can change their opinions and views not because of the news or agenda, they don’t wanna listen to it, the[y] change their positions a[nd] views when they hear[d] by other people

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Be kinder, appreciate other people opinions and listen more and more

—

Map 50:

Where the difference exists…

• Differences in idea of what an ideal life is - spouse? High paying job, childhood?

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• I learnt to let go of people’s differences in their experiences by believing in their stories, their journeys, and what shapes what they say or think

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• 1) courage builds dialogue
• 2) there have to be intentional spaces for dialogue and trust building

—

Map 51:

Where the difference exists…

• Political differences between family members that made me form my own beliefs

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Learning to open up conversation and attempt to interact with differences, and learn point of views different than what I’ve heard or believe myself.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• When facing a difference where the other person might be less willing to engage, instead of shutting down or giving up – which makes me unwilling as well – taking the time to simply listen and let the other party just be heard is most important. 

—

Map 52:

Where the difference exists…

• One of my good friends is married to a Trumper. A few years ago he + I got into a heated dialogue about politics. I’m still friends with the wife but it has caused tension. We never get together with 4 of us.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Learning to have compassion for him. Find common ground to talk about like gardening or pets. Try not to judge or expect I can change his mind. In fact, I ran into them when I parked just now which was strange.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Reflect on my own adherence to my views. Don’t judge maybe learn more about why people still follow Trump instead of saying they are all stupid.

—

Map 53:

Where the difference exists…

• So very close to home, I have a limited relationship with my brother – we are on different sides of a political divide – I am married with a woman for a reason he does not trust, I work with populations he cannot abide, & my profession (teaching) has questioned his professional ethics… the military!

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• I believe we each have a deep connection to each other despite our differences. Often, I retreat into solitude instead of engaging.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I need to try & understand why he feels that way, what events and context in his life brought him to the place he is in order to productively engage!

—

Map 54:

Where the difference exists…

• Differences in how a co-teacher and I facilitate discipline and expectation in the classroom 

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Attempting to open a dialogue w/ her and understand why she might approach classroom management this way.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Starting from a place of curiosity and not judgement. Maybe she will also bring that to the convo.

—

Map 55:

Where the difference exists…

• Six years ago my sister who at the time was the closest person in my life, initiated legal action against me due to her issues in my mother’s care. This was possibly one of the most painful experiences of my life. The legal issue was resolved in a civil manner and no changes were brought but I was left having to rebuild the relationship. We have progressed tremendously since then, but I would like to restore an active friendship.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• It’s important to be vulnerable and take risks. It’s also important to do so in a safe space.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I’ve acknowledged the pain I caused my sister. I’ve also acknowledged my responsibility in the rift.

—

Map 56:

Where the difference exists…

• Relationship b/w my sister and parents

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• Listening & being in these spaces to understand better

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• Have space for people even when I am not these.
• To become better listener.

—

Map 57:

Where the difference exists…

• Growing up in a small town with a lot of ideas and no aspirations – Then moving to a major city and exposing myself to an infinite pool of possibilities.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• By having the courage to take a risk and be vulnerable enough to step into the unknown and embrace be uncomfortable

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I learned that there are a diverse category of ways and choices about how to expose ourselves to society and our human connections that could cultivate our understanding toward fueling a more direct impact

—

Map 58:

Where the difference exists…

• I have a friend who believes transgender ideology is harmful to young people and need to be addressed as an evil

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• That continually looking at our internal biases and assumption enables us to move away from judgements

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• We change who we are when we are open to dialogue

—

Map 59:

Where the difference exists…

• Being confronted by the election as to who I’d vote for and ensue anger

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• To ask first in a conflict coming to greater understanding & helping other to be heard and before espousing my view

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• That the other is only able to come to understanding and harmony if I also do

—

Map 60:

Where the difference exists…

• How I perceive myself and how the world perceives me. The way I treat others is not how I treat myself.

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• There will be things that I find upsetting about myself… but I am full of both good and evil. To be curious enough to embrace the differences.

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• It can take a lot of time and effort to create a safe space for this embrace 

—

Map 61:

Where the difference exists…

• A friend of my friend told us she hates people who study education and thinks they’re bad. As a person who studies education, I disagree. 

Approaching this difference through human revolution…

• It has to be some reasons behind this statement. Soon I learned that her roommates are majoring in education and causes lots of trauma to her. 

Approaching this difference through dialogue…

• I want to start a dialogue with her for sharing our perspectives. Embrace her in conversation and challenge oneself for new ideas. 

—