The word ‘religion’ contains the prefix ‘re’. ‘Re’ means doing something again. The other part of the word connotes ‘unifying’. Religion may thus be interpreted as reunion, the reunification of two entities separated by time, or the restoration of their original organic unity. ‘Jivatma’ and paramatma have lost their fundamental Oneness. Karmic factors have created a duality between the atma and Brahman. The restoration of the primal unity of atma and paramatma through self- realisation is the primary function of religion. (SSB 1979, p. 55)
For the Bharatiyas, religion means experience and nothing less. (Vidya Vahini, p. 77)
The word generally used for religion is matha; the word to indicate the mind is mati. Putting the two together it can be said that matha is primarily engaged or ought to be engaged in straightening and strengthening the mati. The goal, the purpose, the key, the essence of all creeds, faiths and religions is just this. the sublimation of the mind of man to guarantee liberation for the individual concerned and happiness for the society of which he is a unit. Principles and practices have grouped around this prime need, and various creeds are the result.
Religions attempt to implant holy ideals in the heart of man but man does not allow them to sprout and grow. His egoistic craving for power and competitive success has, in most cases, persuaded him to use religion as an instrument of torture and persecution. Instead of uniting mankind in a common endeavour, it has become a system of walled enclosures, guarded by hate and fanaticism. So each religion is an armed camp sunk in self-aggrandizement, trying to wean others into itself and preventing defections from itself. Religion, therefore, is being condemned as the root of chaos and conflict. In spite of great progress in many other areas of life, religious animosity is aflame even today in many parts of the world.
It has to be emphasised that religion is not the root cause of this state of affairs. The factional fights and fanatic hatred are due to the unruly ego that is given free play. Religion strives to destroy just this vicious tendency. So it has to be supported, not condemned. What has to be condemned is the narrow, perverted attitude of hating those who do not agree with you or who hold different opinions of the mysterious force that animates the universe. Religious wars and conflicts breed in the slime of ignorance and avarice. When people are blind to the truth that the human family is one indivisible Unity, they grope in the dark and are afraid of strange touch. The cultivation of love, alone, can convince man of this truth that there is only one caste---the caste of Humanity, and only one religion---the religion of Love. Since no religion upholds violence or despises love, it is wrong to ascribe the chaos to religion. (SSS Vol. 10, pp. 61-62)
Religion has as its aim the removal of hatred and enmity between the children of God; but, we find religions engaged in conflict! (SSS Vol.7, p. 181). The followers of one and the same religion may torture each other and slaughter innocent lives with bestial glee! So, religion is not responsible at all. The unrest is due to want of religion, rather than the plethora of religions. It is blind fanaticism that is to be condemned; not, religion that is against it. Love of country can also be tainted by fanaticism; it has led man to destroy by the atom bomb innocent millions living in another country, hoping thereby to secure the safety of the country one loves! The mind in which hatred and egotism grow can never appreciate religion. Is religion the cause of the calculated cruelty of the atom bomb? No.
The plan and purpose of the ancient religions of India are to plant the seeds of Love in the human heart so that they may sprout into saplings of endurance, and blossom into tolerance, yielding ultimately the fruits of Peace. (SSS Vol.7, p. 90)
For the consummation of human evolution, and the realisation by man of his highest goal, religion and spiritual discipline are very essential. Religion is the link between the individual and the Universe, between Jiva and Deva. If that does not exist life becomes chaos. A cow caught on a hill wanting to go to the hill opposite, but confronted with a flooded river in between, needs a bridge between the two. That is what religion is. (SSS Vol.24)
All religions have emphasised the same truths in their basic teachings, But few people try to understand the inner import of religions. Out of a narrow feeling that one’s own religion is superior and other faiths are inferior, members of different religions are developing hatred towards members of other faiths and acting like demons. Such narrow ideas should be given up totally. All should develop the awareness that though names and forms may be different, the essential truth is one in all religions. (SSS Vol.24)
Religion’ means ‘Realisation’. Since realisation is one and the same, irrespective of whatever religion is professed by different men, it logically follows that basically all religions are one; or to be more accurate, there is only one religion. (SSB 1990, p. 33)
To realise God is his foremost task in life. Man must realise God, feel God, see God and talk to God. This is realisation. This is religion. It serves no purpose if one knows everything else but does not know God. (SSB 1990, p. 75)
Every religion looks for God and they look far and wide, but man should know that God is Omnipresent and resides in the heart of man. (SSS Vol.5)
For the Bharatiyas, religion means experience and nothing else. (BPV, p. 39)
The mind where hatred and egotism grow, can never appreciate religion. (SSS Vol.7, p. 90)
By all kinds of misinterpretations and wrong meanings, the great religion of the Bharatiyas has been rendered meaningless and valueless by sectarians and perverse exponents. The basic meaning and purpose of religion is to read man to his source. Students should grasp the root meaning of the word ‘Religion’ It consists of two parts: ‘Re’, meaning ‘Again’, and ‘ligio’, ‘come together’ Or ‘unite’. That is to say, ‘Reuniting with God is Religion’. People consider religion as a bundle of doctrines and of rigorous do’s and don’ts prescribed for people. This is totally wrong. The sacred aim of Religion is to remind man of his divine origin and help to lead him back to God. This profound truth is contained in the Upanishadac dictum: ‘Tat tvam asi’ (That Thou Art). ‘Uniting That with This’ is the meaning of this declaration. ‘Prajnanam Brahma’ (Brahman is cosmic Knowledge) is another declaration which. is designed to remind man of his divine essence and enable him to merge in the Divine. ‘Ayam Atma Brahma’ (This Atma is Brahman) is another declaration expounding the; same basic purpose of Religion, namely, to make the individual rea1ise his oneness with the Supreme. The dictum ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ is the final declaration by the Self-realised person that in reality there is no difference between him and the Absolute.
The essence of the religion of Bharatiyas as proclaimed in the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana Vedas, is the attainment of the unity of the individual with the Divine by the recognition of his inherent divinity. The Avatars come to teach humanity this principle of oneness so that they may get rid of the idea of diversity and manifest their inherent divinity, realising their basic spiritual nature. (SS Apr ’91, p. 86-87)
All religions belong to the one God and leading to the same destination. There is no difference between one religion and another. (FDD, pp. A-14)
Religion is related to the individual while Culture is ‘fundamental order.’ They use the terms ‘Mohammedan culture.’ ‘Hindu culture,’ ‘Christian culture’ and fight against one another. In reality, there is no difference between one Religion and another. There is no difference between man and man as God is in the form of love in everyone. So it is not correct to fight on the basis of religious differences. All belong to the human race. When one understands this truth one can comprehend Dharma. (SSS Vol.26, p. 29)
Do not belittle any religion or give predominance to any single religion. Let the Faiths exist; let them flourish and let the Glory of God be sung in all the languages and in a variety of tunes. Respect the differences between the Faiths and recognize them as valid as long as they do not extinguish the Flame of Unity. The basic Truth in all religions, irrespective of country or race, is One and the same. All religions exhort man to cleanse the heart of malice, greed, hate and anger. All religions hold out the gift of Grace as the prize for success in this cleansing process. Ideas of superiority and inferiority arise only in a heart corrupted by egoism. If someone argues that he is higher, or that his religion is holier, it is proof that he has missed the very core of his faith. Sadhana (spiritual discipline and practices) will reveal the Unity in the fundamental teaching of all religions. The seeds of all religions are in the Sanathana Dharma (the Eternal Truths) of the Vedanta (Vedanta’ meaning ‘the Goal; that is, Spiritual Liberation)... The Vedic Dharma is the great-grandfather; Buddhism is the son; Christianity, which was influenced much by the Orient, is the grandson; and Islam, which has the Prophets of Christianity at its base, was the great-grandson. If there is any misunderstanding between them, It is but a family affair. The Ancestral Property, of which all are-co-sharers, is the same. You are all members of the same family, bound by the Religion of Love. God is One; there are not many Gods, one for each tribe among men. God is All Names and All Forms. You must not limit God to any particular Name and Form. How can you fix a label on God and compel Him to conform to your specifications? (TSF, pp. 158-159)
(Unity of Divinity)
All religions proclaim the Unity of Divinity
All religions are one, declares this land of Bharat. There may be difference in the number and nature of the limbs; the message each conveys is the same as all the rest. This is the discovery of India, and her announcement to mankind. (SSVahini, pp. 150-151)
The truth proclaimed by all religions is one and the same. The ultimate goal of all religions is the same. The primary object of religion is to cure man of his follies and make him a real human being. Equally, religion aims at promoting righteous conduct by transforming the mental attitude of man. Religion is concerned with developing in man faith in the Spirit, besides his preoccupation with the needs of the body. For all religions, the foundation is morality.
If morality declines, humanness will decline together with the eclipse of religion. Morality is the basis of right conduct. Whether it is the State, the society or the individual, the basis for all of them is morality. When morality goes, all the three will be undermined. All prosperity and happiness are based on moral strength. It is to make man realise the value of the ethical life that religions came into being.
Religion aims at: promoting the harmony of body, intellect, and mind through righteous conduct. Right conduct in its totality represents morality. It is otherwise known as Dharma (Righteousness). Dharma also means that which is priyam (pleasing). It also refers to what is real value in life. When one leads, a life governed by moral values, he achieves the most precious things including name, fame, and prosperity. Material objects have their value, but Dharma is invaluable. No price can be set on it. (SSS Vol.22), 23- 7-1989.
The whole of mankind belongs to one Religion---the Religion of Man. For all men, God is the Father. As the children of one God all men are brothers. This Conference is therefore a family gathering. It is not a meeting of nationalities and religions. It is a meeting of minds. It does not relate to any one culture or philosophy. It is concerned with the divine way of life that is implicit in the teachings of all religions. Its purpose is to see Unity in Divinity.
The basic truth in all religions, irrespective of country or race, is one and the same. The philosophic ideas or the practices and methods of approach may vary. But the final objective and goal is only one. All religions proclaim the Unity of Divinity and preach the cultivation of Universal Love without regard to caste, creed, country or colour. Those who are ignorant of this basic Truth develop pride and ego because of their own religion. Such people are creating great confusion and chaos by fragmenting Divinity. To confine and divide the Infinite Divine into such narrow compartments is treason to the Divine. The basis for a spiritual, God-based life is the indwelling Spirit--the Atman (divine soul). The body is the home of Spirit.
Life in society should also conform to this spiritual basis. Man, however, bases his life on the belief that the body alone is real. It is to rid him of this error that he has to be taught about Spirit.
Mankind has to realise that both the individual and society are manifestations of the Divine Will and that the Divine permeates the Universe. Only by recognising this Truth can man give up his ego and lead a life of devotion to duty. Society should not become a cockpit of selfish individuals, but a community of divinely guided Individuals.
With the progress of science man imagines that he is the lord of the universe and he tends to forget the Divine. Although man today has gone to the moon and is exploring outer space, if he were to consider the innumerable mysteries and wonders in creation yet to be known, he will realise that these are far beyond the limited capacity of mind and intelligence. The more man discovers the secrets and mysteries of the cosmos, the more he will realise that God is the creator and motivator of all creation. All religions are agreed upon this Truth. All that man can do is to strive through his limited intelligence and knowledge to understand the invisible and infinite Divine and learn to worship and adore Him. (SSS Vol.16), 30-10- 1983.
Divine experience is inherent nature of man
Once the Truth of the Indwelling Spirit is recognised, there dawns the awareness that the world is one family. One is then filled with Divine Love which becomes the driving force for all of one s actions. Man turns away from the pursuit of endless desires to the search for peace and equanimity. By converting the love for material things into Love of God one experiences the Divine. This experience is not something beyond man. It is, in fact, a part of the inherent nature of man. It is the secret of his humanness and his Divinity.
Whatever one s religion may be, everyone should cultivate respect for other faiths. One who does not have such an attitude of tolerance and respect for other religions is not a true follower of his own religion. It is not enough merely to adhere strictly to the practices of one s own religion.
One should also try to see the essential unity of all religions. Only then will man be able to experience the oneness of Divinity. There should be no kind of coercion or compulsion in the sphere of religion. Religious matters should be discussed calmly and dispassionately. Do not entertain the feeling that one s religion is superior and another s inferior. Conflicts on the basis of religion should be totally eliminated. To divide men on grounds of religion is a crime against humanity.
Man today imagines that he knows everything about Nature and the Universe. But of what use is all this knowledge if man does not know himself? It is only when he understands himself that he will be able to know the Truth about the external world. Man s Inner Reality cannot be known by exploring the world outside. When he turns his vision inward and realises his essential Divinity, he will acquire an equal-mindedness towards all beings. Out of that feeling of oneness he will experience the Bliss that passeth understanding. (SSS Vol.16), Message to International Symposium in Rome on the theme ‘Unity is Divinity,’ held on 30 and 31-10-1983
Unity, fellow-feeling and devotion are essential for every human being. To promote these sacred qualities in mankind, some great souls sought to establish different religions. Religion is not a restrictive concept. Religion is intended to develop the human personality and indicate the basic guide-lines for right living. Religion brings out the humanness in man and enables him to live in harmony with his fellow-men. It provides the link between the individual and the Divine. It demonstrates the unity that underlies the diversity in the world.
Love, Sacrifice, Service, and Righteousness are the four limbs of Religion. Religion brings out the divine and sublime feelings in man and makes him serve society It evokes all that is great, blissful and good in men and demonstrates the unity of mankind.
It is supremely unfortunate that Religion, which has such high and sacred objectives, is construed and practised in a narrow way and propagated as a narrow creed.
Religion is like an undercurrent that sustains the whole of humanity. The founders of religions, with a view to spreading the subtle secrets of religious faith, laid down certain rules of conduct and conveyed their message to the people. (SSS Vol.23), 25-12-1990. Religion is three-fourths character. Only those who preserve character can be pronounced truly religious. (SSS Vol.12)
All religions emphasise human values
No religion can ever be bad. That is why the great scientist, Einstein, declared that religion without science is lame and science without religion is blind, thereby stressing the need for a judicious combination of science and religion to serve the needs of humanity.
Religion is of immense help in fostering the integral development of the human personality. It underlines the unity in diversity. True religion teaches the harmony and unity of all religions. The essence as well as the goal of all religions is the attainment of the purity of mind and heart.
Every religion has its own precepts and principles. But no religion preaches hatred, untruth, or unrighteousness. ‘Speak the truth, practice righteousness’--enjoin the Upanishads. Similar sacred injunctions are to be found in all the other religions too.
Thus all religions emphasise the human values and serve as beacons for the proper progress and development of mankind. They all facilitate the manifestation of the divinity inherent in man.
But the present-day men in general, and the youth in particular, have forgotten our age-old culture and sacred values and are bidding good-bye to God, having been enticed by the modem science and technology.
The origin of post-Vedic religions
Apart from the Vedic religion, some other religions came into existence 2000-2500 years ago. The founders of these religions took note of the prevailing social conditions and sought to promote unity among the various sections through their teachings. There was basically no conflict between these different faiths. Unfortunately, the differences among the individual followers of these faiths resulted in the growth of narrow loyalties and creedal conflicts. In each religion, there were some virus elements which promoted hatred of other faiths. In truth, there is no conflict between one religion and another. The religion of the Bharatiyas is the most ancient in origin. Having regard to its Vedic basis, it has been described as Hinduism. The essence of this faith is its universality as expressed in the saying: Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the peoples everywhere be happy). The Bharatiya faith laid stress on the happiness of everyone.
The objective of Islam, the religion of the Muslims, is also the same. In persian, ‘Islam’ means ‘surrender’ or ‘peace. The inner meaning of this term is that man should surrender to god and live in peace with his fellowmen. The holy book of islam, the quran, contains many sacred precepts. Salat is one such precept. It enjoins one to worship god with steady faith. Another precept is zakat, which enjoins the believer to practise charity for relieving fellow - beings in need or distress. In the scriptures of the Bharatiyas, a similar duty has been laid down in the saying ‘It is meritorious to help others and it is sinful to cause harm to others’ (paropakaraya punyaya papaya para pidanam). (D3 , p. 178)
In Islam, the expression ‘Salam’’ is used as a form of greeting. ‘Sa’ in this term signifies the combined expression of ‘Salokya, samipya, sarupya, and sayujya’ (Seeing the Divine, having a vision of the form of the Divine, nearing the Divine and merging in the Divine). When these four experiences are combined and merged into one, (La signifying merger), you have ‘Salam’(the merging of the many in the one).
Religious differences should never arise
Even the Quran declared that in discussing matters of religion and the teachings of different religions, acrimony should not be imported into the debate and the differences should be considered without bitterness. This is affirmed by every religion. But the followers of each faith, forgetting this fundamental truth, raised barriers based on creedal differences which were really verbal and not fundamental.
Today various kinds of differences are arising among religions. This is not a good thing. Everyone should base his life on the divinely ordained morals and verities and endeavour to foster them. Morality should serve as the beacon light for everyone. Without that light human life will be plunged in darkness.
The ancient sages made known to the world that by their earnest quest for God, they had been able to experience the Divine. ‘We have seen that sacred effulgent Purusha (Lord) in our hearts.’ ‘We have seen Him beyond the tamas (darkness) of ignorance,’ they declared. But the purpose of human life is not merely to secure a vision of the Divine or to experience the bliss of that vision. Those who love sugar, must seek to become sugar itself. Brahmavid brahmaiva bhavati (the knower of Brahman becomes Brahman Itself). Religion aims at bringing about such a transformation. Making him a man to begin with, it seeks to transform him to Madhava (Divinity itself). Religion, which has such a sublime purpose, is being degraded to serve petty ends.
Cows may be of different breeds or colours or sizes, but milk they yield is the same, the world over. So too, all religions, whatever their origin or extent of influence, are means to teach man this process.
Do not give room for differences based on language, religion, caste or nationality. Develop the feeling that all are children of God. You may worship God in any form of your choice, but always bear in mind that God is one. Cultivate love and promote unity and harmony among all.
Religions are many, but the road is the same. Flowers are many, but worship is the same, professions are many but living is the same.
Religion teaches self-discipline
and promotes one’s well-being;
It enhances one’s spiritual power
and makes one effulgent.
If people live without knowing
Its inner secret
The community and its culture
decline and suffer.
Religions are not different from each other. When rain pours down from the sky, pure water falls on the earth, mountains, rivers and the sea. But the pure water acquires the colour and taste of the region or spot where it falls. Likewise, prophets and messiahs, coming down in different forms of the world at different times, imparted their message in terms appropriate to the time, the place and the conditions of the people concerned. Religions cannot be considered different from each other for this reason.
All religions have taught
only what is good for humanity.
Religion should be practised
with this awareness.
If the minds are pure,
how can religion be bad?
It is a mark of ignorance to consider one religion as superior and another as inferior and develop religious differences on this basis. The teachings of all religions are sacred. The basic doctrines are founded on truth. Atma-tathva (the truth of the Spirit) is the essence of religions, the message of all the scriptures and the basis of all metaphysics. The primary duty of human beings is to recognise that the paths indicated by different religions may vary but the goal is one. Love, sacrifice, compassion, morality, integrity and similar qualities are common to all religions. In different ways all religions sought to promote unity in diversity. Bharatiya philosophy, culture and sacred way of life permeate and shine like an undercurrent in all religions. Bharatiya culture has affirmed the profound Vedic truth ‘Eko vasi sarva bhootha antaratma’ (It is the One Spirit that dwells in all beings). This unity of the Spirit is proclaimed in various contexts in the teachings of Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Although in terms of physical form, human beings appear different, in terms of the Spirit they are all one--this is the truth propagated by Christianity. It has declared that all are the children of one Lord and believing in the Fatherhood of God, all should live in harmony.
Why Hinduism stands out as a religion
The Veda is dualistic. We have in India the followers of Sankara, Ramanuja and Madhvacharya, representing three schools of philosophy. These sects are the products of individuals, but Hindu religion itself is not the creation of any individual. The basic Hindu faith is not for Indians alone but is for all mankind. The word ‘Hindu’ is composed of the two syllables ‘Him,’ meaning Himsa (violence) and ‘Du’ meaning, ‘distant.’ Hinduism is the faith that makes violence distant.
That is the reason why Hinduism alone stands out as a religion that strives for the well-being of all peoples, in all countries, at all times. Hence the appellation, Sanathana meaning ancient or timeless. No one knows when it was revealed and who was its founder. Other religions have their chronology. The Hindu religion knows no growth or decline. It belongs to all countries. It is acceptable to all people.
Though people may call themselves Muslims, Christians, Hindus and the like, there should be no differences between them. Students should be completely free from sectarian differences. They should respect all religions because what you cherish in your religion is found in other religions also. If you adhere to your own religion, you need not worry yourself about other religions.
In all religions, people have faith in certain beliefs. But they do not make any efforts, by enquiry or otherwise, to experience what they believe. Students! Don’t entertain religious differences. The God that is worshipped in all religions is one and the same. With that conviction, respect all religions. Realise that the essence of all religions is one. Don’t enter into futile controversies or criticise other religions. It is fraught with danger. When you attack another religion, you are really guilty of assailing your own religion. Therefore, show your reverence to everyone. ‘Whatever deity you adore, the worship reaches the One Supreme Lord.’ (SSS Vol.22), 23- 7-1989.
Buddhism declared that Truth and Non-violence are the basic requisites , for getting rid of delusions and achieving purity in life. Christianity proclaimed that all are children of God and should have fraternal feelings towards each other. Jesus declared: ‘All are one, be alike to everyone.’
According to Islam, all are members of one family in spiritual terms. It regarded prayer as the best means of ensuring peace and security in society.
Emperor Manu declared:
Tyajet Kularthe Purusham Gramasyarthe Kulam Tyajet |
Gramam Janapadasyarthe Atmarthe Prithivim Tyajet ||
त्यजेत् कुलार्थे पुरुषं ग्रामस्यार्थे कुलं त्यजेत् |
ग्रामं जनपदस्यार्थे आत्मार्थे पृथिवीं त्यजेत् ||
(One must be prepared to sacrifice his body for his community and his community for the sake of the nation). Manu s Dharma Shastra laid down that the welfare of society is most important.
The Upanishads declared: sahasrakshas sahasrapat (the Divine has a myriad eyes and a myriad feet). All eyes are God s; all feet are His; all hands are His. This was the message of the Upanishads. In this manner, the Upanishads emphasized the oneness of humanity.
For man, it is the collective concept that is fundamental and not individualism. No one can live in this world all by himself. He must cultivate the sense of community if he wishes to live in peace and happiness.
Om Saha Nau-Avatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu, Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai | (Let us live together; let us struggle together; let us grow together in joy and harmony). This was the teaching of the Vedas. (SSS Vol.23), 25-12-1990.
Namaskar is the message of unity This basic truth of the spiritual oneness of all creation is emphasised at every stage in Bharatiya culture. ‘Ekam Sat-vipra bahudha vadanti’ (The Reality is One; the wise call it by different names). The Ultimate Reality is One only. Your mental reactions give rise to multiplicity. What you have to offer the Lord is Ekatma bhava (the sense of spiritual oneness). Bharatiyas are wont to fold the two palms together and offer Namaskar (salutation). What is the inner significance of this form of greeting? It is an expression of the unity of the many in the One. (DD on 25.12.1991)
In the Christian religion, it is stated that individual beings were created as they are. It is said that Allah did the same. Even Zoroastrian and Buddhist religions described creation more or less on the same lines. But Vedic religion has a different version. The individual is as eternal as God. He is a spark of God. If there are no jivas (beings), there is no Deva (God). This is specially emphasised in the Vedas. Followers of other religions are, in recent times, recognising this truth. The present life of each is only an interval between previous and future lives. It is but a step towards the next. This is indicated in the Vedas. The Vedas instruct about the relationship between the previous and future births. No other religion, however, has revealed so much about previous and future births. (SV, pp. 117-118)
In Christianity, the term ‘Esu’ (Jesus) is used to describe Christ This term also signifies the oneness of Divinity. The inner significance of the term ‘Esu’ is the recognition of the One Divine in all beings.
In Jainism, also, the same truth was taught by Mahavira. When the senses are allowed to have their way, all kinds of reactions occur. It is only when the senses are brought under unified control that the nature of Divinity can be comprehended. The eyes have the power of sight. The ears can hear. The powers of all the sense organs -seeing, hearing, speaking, etc, are derived from the Divine. It is the Divine that enables the eyes to see, the ears to hear, the mind to think and to have various experiences. It is when all these sensory processes are brought under unified control (by the conquest of the senses) that man becomes a conqueror - a ‘Jina’, as termed by the Jains. Because he had conquered his senses, the title of victory was conferred on Mahavira. (SS Jan ’92. p. 2)