A lot of well-meaning people, especially at conferences, say ‘All religions are the same.’ Although religious leaders are uncomfortable with these statements, they may politely refrain from saying much. The truth is that all religions are not the same. They are not the same in their origins nor religious practices. They are not the same in their goals nor in their idea of God or Isha.
In terms of goals, some religions are heaven-going, but the descriptions of Heaven vary. Some of them profess the goal as Nirvana or samadhi practices, while some present the goal as moksha. The goals are very different, and hence the practices are also different—ritualistic, contemplative or prayerful.
Similarly, the idea of God is different. Even in the same Bible, the Old Testament and the New Testament, there's a huge difference in the way God is described, as being judgemental and compassionate.
In Hinduism too, there is a huge variety catering to all the different needs that people have. Since all these differences exist, why should one say that all religions are the same? Do we really have to be the same to coexist? We only have to recognise two things:
One, that all religions are valid ways of relating to God or Ishvara. Hence, one need not think of one's way as superior to another way.
Two, to follow Dharma or universal ethics in our interactions with each other. Religions may enhance certain ethical values, but they cannot go against or replace universal human ethics.
So, if these two things are recognised as common ground in all religions, then we can enjoy our differences, and peacefully coexist.
The problem comes if I think that one is superior to the other, and I have to make the other person accept my beliefs and give up his or her beliefs, then there is no way of coexisting. Even if there is only one religion in the world, there will be fights and disagreements between the different sects in the same religion.
The writer is the founder of Aarsha Vidya Foundation. You can write to him at aarshavidyaf@gmail.com
