In The Spirit of Dialogue: Lessons from Faith Traditions in Transforming Conflict from Aaron T. Wolf and Island Press draws lessons from a diversity of faith traditions to transform conflict.

True listening, as practiced by Buddhist monks, as opposed to the “active listening” advocated by many mediators, can be the key to calming a colleague’s anger. Alignment with an energy beyond oneself, what Christians would call grace, can change self-righteousness into community concern. Shifting the discussion from one about interests to one about common values—both farmers and environmentalists share the value of love of place—can be the starting point for real dialogue.

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