First, read my previous post if you haven't because it pertains to this one.

Concerning the book Living Buddha, Living Christ, I found the following passage on interreligious dialogue to be quite interesting.

In a dialogue, both sides are willing to change. We have to appreciate that truth can be recieved outside of-not only within-our own group. If we do not believe that, entering into dialogue would be a waste of time. If we think that we monopolize the truth and we still organize a dialogue, then it is not authentic. We have to believe that by engaging in dialogue with the other person, we have the possibility of making a change within ourselves, that we can become deeper. Dialogue is not a means for assimilation in the sense that one side expands and incorporates the other into its ‘self.’ Dialogue must be practiced on the basis of ‘non-self.’ We have to allow what is good, beautiful, and meaningful in the others tradition to transform us.

This last snipet is from Christian (credit Charisma Arts) concerning the anxiety of approaching women you don't know. An interesting thing to think about when you are nervous.

The Slipstream of Humanity
Five feet between the two of you. A gap that space and time and circumstance have made possible, a gap that becomes actual with your passage. "The space between, your heart and mine, is the space we'll fill with time." (DMB)

Four seconds to cross that gap. Four seconds where everything in the world is happening at once. Babies are being born. Fathers are coming home to their children. Couples are making love. You act or you do not act and the moment is gone.

Three steps to bring your body next to hers. Three steps where anything is possible and nothing is yet determined.

Two people with hopes and fears and experiences and beliefs. Two people who are doing the best they can to make it from day to day. Two people whose meeting could be inconsequential, or whose union could give birth to the child who cures cancer.

One word is all it takes: "Hello"

Deep, eh? Think about it the next time you really would like to talk to someone but are too nervous to say anything.