THE VARIOUS GREAT RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD AND THEIR UNITY

236. What is a religion? Define it.

Religion may be defined as any Prevalent System of faith in super human power.
237. Why do we lead a religious life?
By submitting to God's will and by acting in such a way as to earn His grace, we lead a religious
life. Every religion has its philosophy. Religion belongs to the region of the heart and philosophy
belongs to the region of the head and both should go hand in hand. Religion is an essential
ingredient in the making of man.
238. What is the basis of Religion? How many Religions are there? and how are they classified?
Religion is an essential thing for man to lead a good living. The basis of all religion is Faith. There
are at present eleven religions and they are classified as (1) Aryan, (2) Semitic and (3) Mongolian.
Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism and Sikhism are of the Aryan Group; Hebraism,
Christianity and Islam belong to the Semitic group; Taoism, Confucianism and Shintoism, come
under the Mongolian group.
239. What is the central truth of all religions?
The Central truth of all religions is that God is the perfect embodiment of love, grace and
compassion; He is absolute perfection; He is the father of all creation; All creatures are His
children. This is the central truth of all the world's great religions.
"Ekam sad vipra bahuda vadanti" - God is one, though the wise speak of him in many ways. So
each religion is a revelation in its own way of this great truth. God is not the monopoly of any
particular creed or religion.
240. How a Hindu refers to God?
The Hindus call God by different names like Iswara, Rama, Krishna etc., or Paramatma or
Brahman.
241. What is the concept of God for jains?
The jains who do not directly refer to God, yet speak of the divine principle of perfection. When
this principle is embodied in a being, he is called 'Arhat'. The realm of the Divine where no evil can
exist, where every bondage to samsara and its sorrows and tribulations is destroyed and where the
individual atttains eternal bliss is the highest goal. When all desires are burnt away, all attachment
disappears, it is called the state of 'Nirvana' or 'Moksha'.
242. What is the concept of God for Buddhists?
The Buddhists who like the Jains do not postulate the existence of God in a specific or direct
manner. They believe that the highest state that a man can reach is the state of "Buddha". He is
actually not much different from the "God" of the so-called theists. He is divine, the 'Kevalin' or
'Mukta' or the 'Buddha', the embodiment of love and Pragna.
243. How do the Zoroastrians call the God?
The Zoroastrians call God, the holiest principle in the universe, "Ahura Mazda", the God of truth,
wisdom and illumination.
244. How do the Muslims call the God?
The Muslims call Him "ALLAH". The Merciful, the compassionate, the sole Lord of the creation.
245. How do the Jews call their God?
The Jews God is "Jehovah".
246. Who is the God for the Sikhs?
To the Sikhs God is 'Sat' or 'Akal' - the true and the eternal.
247. The different Religions are so many paths to God. Explain.
From the earliest times, man has been aware of the transcendental power, which governs and
sustains the Universe, As this idea developed through the centuries a variety of creeds arose. When
we examine the world's great religions we will discover that all religions have more or less the same
idea of God - though He is called by different names. From the beginning, man hungered for God
and has longed to understand His ways. All religions have, with one voice, accepted the three
fundamental qualities of God - they are (1) God's omnipotence, (2) His omniscience and (3) His
omnipresence; without God's love nothing can live and without His power nothing can be done in
this creation. So all the different religions are various roads leading to the one and the same goal
which is God.
248. Each religion has its own way of understanding God. Explain it in detail.
Each religion has its own way of understanding God. The Ancient Hebrews regarded God as God of
Justice, because the Hebrews have throughout been, for some reason or the other, a persecuted
minority in the countries they occupied. The Buddhists and Jains who attached great importance to
the destroying effects of greed and desire, tended to dream of a passionless Principle of Divinity, yet
full of compassion for oppressed and suffering humanity. All religions believe in Prayer. Prayer is a
means of intimate communion with the almighty. The Vedic religion frequently emphasised
sacrifice and renunciation and in its later development as 'Vedanta' it stressed the need for man's
ceaseless search for the supreme reality, through introspection, Sadhana and love of Truth. Christ
emphasised the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. He made His followers dedicate
themselves to the service of their fellowmen.
The Hindus have their Avatars - God manifesting Himself in human form from age to age to restore
Dharma and Satya in this universe. Being embodiments of the Divine their influence has been
immense upon the whole of India and even abroad.
Mohammed is considered as Allah's (God's) own prophet, God's mouth-piece and in his life he
struggled hard and suffered much to save his people from sin and barbarism. Moses was one of the
great prophets of the jews, Buddha for Buddhists and Mahaveera for the Jains. So all these prophets
taught about God and what they understood they gave it to this world in the name of religion. In
their own way of understanding, they gave their teachings. The doctrines of the World's religions
have been preserved in their scriptures.
249. What are the great scriptures for the Hindu?
The Hindus have the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and the Dharma sastras. The scriptures lay down
with great elaboration the eternal values of life.
250. What is the holy scripture of the Christian?
The Holy scripture of the Christians is the Bible, particularly the New Testament, the section of it
which tells story of Christ and his Ministry.
251. Name the sacred scriptures of the Zoroastrians, Hebrews, Sikhs, Buddhists and Islam?
The Zoroastrians sacred scripture is "Zendavesta". The Hebrews sacred scripture is called
"TORAH" and the "TALMUD". The Sikhs sacred book is called the "ADI GRANTH". The sacred
scriptures of the Buddhists are called "PITAKAS" and the sacred scripture of Islam is called the
"QUORAN".
252. What is the meaning of the word "Jina" and who is the founder of Jainism?
"Jina" the founder of the Jainism was also called Vardhamana Mahaveera. "Jina" means 'the victor'
and it was a sort of a title given to him. The word 'Jina' is also applicable to those who have
conquered their lower selves and attained self-realisation. Jina Vardhamana Mahaveera was the
elder contemporary of the Buddha and was the second son of the Kshatriya ruler of Magada.
Actually legends describe the beginning of Jainism to "Rishabha", who is said to have lived many
centuries before Vardhamana. This view is supported in the Bhagavatapurana. But Vardhamana
organised Jainism into a coherent creed and the Jains into a solid community.
253. What are the basic principles of Jainism?
The basic principles of Jainisms are - (a) AHIMSA (Positive kindness) (b) SATYAM (Truth-
Speaking) (c) ASTEYA (Non-stealing) (d) APARIGRAHA (Non-grasping or contentment) (e)
BRAHMACHARYA (Literally, proceeding towards Brahman).
254. What are the beliefs of Jainism?
(1) Jainism believes that every material thing has a spirit in it and so it stresses on Ahimsa.
(2) Jainism lays great stress on purity, that is, purity of inner being as well as external purity.
(3) Sadhana is important to attain perfection. Mahavera himself declared that there are two kinds of
spiritual discipline - or 'Vrita' (a) "Mahavrita" or great discipline for munis or Monks and (b) "Anu-
Vrita", the lesser discipline for ordinary folk. The Jain religion did not make much of God or the
Transcendent Reality. However they believed in soul. The soul because of its entanglements with
the impurities of the world becomes subject to ceaseless rebirth. So to get rid of impurities is the
foremost aim of life.
255. Explain in detail the beliefs of Jainism about the soul and karma and who is called a "Holy
Man"?
The pure soul is all brilliant, having Anantha Darshana, Anantha Jnana, Anantha Veerya and
Anantha Sukha. Because this pure soul gets mixed with the impurities of the world, it gets rebirth.
So Jainism says that impurities should be got rid of through pure living. They also believe in Karma
or action and its effects. These action binds the soul and cause rebirth. The pure state of being is
called "Jnana" and when karma is annihilated through pure and proper living the soul becomes
"Anpashamika" astate in which karma is neutralised, though it is still present, like fire covered by
ashes. When Karma is annihilated altogether the soul is said to be in the "Kshayika" state which
leads to 'Moksha' or 'Kaivalya'. There is another state of the soul called "Kshayopastramika" state
where some karma is still active. In this state men are called God. But when they reach
"Anpashamika" or "Kshayika" state they become "Holy man".
256. In Jainism what are the different stages of moral and spiritual evolution?
In Jainism, all substances or "matter" is of two kinds (a) Astikeya (extended) and (b) Anasti Kaya
(Non-extended). The first which is different from matter is spiritual. It is the peculiarity of Jainism
that some Jevas are "Muktas" (the liberated) and others are "Buddhas" (the bound). They lay stress
upon faith and work. All action leading to peace of mind are "Punya" and Jainism mention nine
ways of securing punya - like giving food to deserving, water to the thirsty, and so on. 'Himsa' or
causing injury is the great Sin - papa. In the Jain code injury in any form, from simple abuse to
murder is a sin.
257. What is "Nirvana" State?
The nirvana of the Jains is not annihilation of the self, but it is new birth into a state of absolute
purity and blessedness. It is the state that cannot be described. It is absolute freedom from desire
and action - a state of perfect quiescence. The soul exists but it is so much beyond anything. This
state is "Nirvana" State. Jainism does not accept a personal God or even a transcendental Brahman.
They believe in "Arhats". They are souls full of knowledge and purity like the great Tirthankaras.
The 'holy persons' are those who have reached the State of "Nirvana".
258. Who was the founder of Buddhism?
Siddhartha (meaning he who has attained his goal) was the founder of Buddhism. His family name
was Gauthama. He was a prince, son of King Suddhodhana and Queen Maya of the Kingdom of the
'Sakyas' whose capital was Kapilavastu. He was born about 567 B.C. He became "Buddha" or the
enlightened one, later in his life and formed the religion Buddhism.
259. Explain briefly what Buddha taught?
He taught the gospel of the four Aryan truths : (1) Life is full of suffering. Every event is in life
painful (birth, age, disease, desire and so on). (2) It is desire that is the origin of suffering. It is the
craving or thirst (Trishna) that binds us to the unending cycle of birth and death. (3) It is possible to
achieve the suppression of suffering. He said by wisdom and understanding and through full
awareness of the self, man can attain the state of bliss. For this he must awaken himself from the
Anjana to Jnana. (4) The way to end suffering is to follow the noble eightfold path. In this all
extremes are to be avoided and middle path has to be followed. He also said that by torture of the
body "Nirvana" or salvation cannot be achieved. He taught non-attachment. He said a wise man,
who is a 'Sama Darshi', who looks upon everything in an objective unattached manner, is a real
"Bodhi" or truly enlightened person. He said only a pure in heart shall attain Nirvana or liberation.
The Buddha does not mention either God or the soul in his teachings. Instead he refers constantly to
'Manas' or mind, which prompts all actions and words.
260. What is Buddhist 'Pancha-Shil'?
The whole of the simple doctrine of Buddha is best expressed in the Buddhist Pancha-shil. It
consists of five resolutions. They are:
(1) I will refrain from killing any creature.
(2) I will refrain from false-hood.
(3) I will refrain from adultery.
(4) I will refrain from stealing.
(5) I will refrain from intoxicants.
261. Who was the founder of Zoroastrianism?
The founder of Zoroastrianism was the Persian prophet, Zoroaster, who lived in the 7th century
B.C. Zoroaster was greatly concerned about the superstitious beliefs of his people, and so the first
truth he taught was that God is one - the wise Lord 'Ahura Mazda' or 'Ormuzd', who is the creator of
the universe and who lives in the heart of man as external Righteousness and the truth.
262. What are the characteristic belief of Zoroastrians?
The sanctity of Nature is their special belief. Earth, Air, light and water are four sacred elements of
nature. So even when they die they do not bury or cremate because they think that will pollute
Nature. So the dead are merely consigned to what they call "a Tower of Silence" where the birds of
prey devour the bodies.
They are called "Fire-worshippers". Agni is a symbol of purity, Zoroastrians worship Sun, who
stands for illumination (Tejas) and purity. They must follow four purities - pure thoughts, pure
words, pure deeds and chastity.
263. What is the religion of the Parsis?
The Zoroastrians who emigrated to India are called the Parsis. They also worship the Sun. Their
temples are called "Agiyaris" where the sacred fire fed by sandalwood is placed. They are strictly
urged to follow the Zoroastrian ethical code summarised in three words (1) 'Humata' (Good
thoughts), (2) 'Hukhata' (good words) and (3) "Huvrashta" (good deeds).
264. What is Judaism?
Judaism is the religion of the jews and is older than Christianity. It is strictly a monotheistic
religion. Judaism is rooted in the ancient scriptures known to the Christians as the old Testament. Its
central belief is a merciful universal God.
265. Who is the founder of Islam?
Mohammed was the founder of Islam. He declared that there is no other God than "Allah" the all
powerful, all wise and all merciful. He revealed these sublime truths in his "Holy Quran" - a book
which is the holy scripture for Muslims.
266. What are the important ideals of Islam?
Islam rests on five solid pillars in short. A muslim has five moral duties : (1) Prayer, (2) Charity, (3)
Fasting, (4) Pilgrimage to Mecca and (5) Holy war.
267. What is Christianity?
Christianity in general, is the religion of those who believe in Christ, as a unique revelation of God.
It arose nearly 2,000 years ago, as a section within judaismin in Palestine. It accepted at first the
Jewish scriptures as its own, but instead of the traditional belief of the Jews that the expected
Messiah or Christ was yet to appear, it held that he had already appeared on earth in the person of
Jesus of Nazareth. So Christianity centres round the life and message of the Jesus who was called
"Christ" or the Messiah.
268. To whom and where was Jesus born?
Jesus birth itself seem to have been a miracle. He was born in an inn in a cowshed in Bethlehem to
Mary, wife of a carpenter, Joseph. He was not born in an ordinary way. He was son of a Virgin,
upon whom the grace of the Lord had fallen.
269. Give an idea of Christ's Sublime moral preachings?
An idea of Christ's moral preachings can be got from the famous "Sermon on the mount". The main
points are as follows:
(1) Blessed are the pure in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
(2) Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
(3) Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
(4) Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.
(5) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
(6) Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God.
(7) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
(8) Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
(9) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil
against you falsely, for my sake.
270. Who is the founder of "Sikhism"?
Sikhism is the latest and the youngest religion perhaps in the world - Nanak was its founder. He was
born in 1496 in the village called Talwandi.
271. What is the holy book of the Sikhs called?
The holy book of the Sikhs is called the Granth Saheb. Their temples called "Gurudwaras" have no
idols and no elaborate worship. Only the "Granth Sahib" containing the hymns and saying of the
Guru is kept in the altar inside these temple.
272. What is the most important Principle of Sikh religion?
One most important idea of Sikh religion is that of devoted discipleship. The Word 'Sikh' means "A
disciple". The Sikhs venerate their Gurus greatly. Nanak was their first Guru, and Guru Goving
Singh their last. The teaching of the Guru is called "Guru Vani" - it is extremely sacred to them. The
Sikhs conceive of God as their illumination or Jyothi - Sikhism attaches great sanctity to Japa or
meditation on the Divine Jyoti and on the Gurus who are regarded as embodiments of this Jyothi.
273. What are the five requirements for the Sikhs, prescribed by the Gurus?
The Sikhs are distinguished by the following five requirements:
(1) They should wear their hair un-cut (Kesh)
(2) They should carry, by tradition, a steel comb (Kanga)
(3) They should wear a steel bangle (Kada)
(4) They should carry a short and sharp sword (Kirpan)
(5) No Sikh can be without a kachcha - small-sized tight under wear.
274. What is Taoism?
Taoism is a creed of pure Chinese origin based upon the teachings of "LAO-TZE". Along with
Confucianism and Buddhism, it is one of the chief religions of Chinese culture. It may be called
'poly demonism' or worship of numerous demons. Magic plays an important role in it. Taoism
proclaims the doctrine of "Quietism" - man should possess an inner power which is called the "TE"
by meditation and by occult means. 'Lao-Tze' is credited with many miracles and is regarded as the
incarnation of the 'Tao' an immaterial omni present and eternal power. He is an embodiment of
Absolute good, incessantly waging war against Evil.
275. What is Shinto?
Japan's ancient religion is called Shinto or spirit's way. It is earlier than Confucianism and
Buddhism. In its earlier form it was simply a form of nature worship. It gave rise later to a sort of
polytheism. Shrines were built in honour of their many Gods. No image but only symbolised tokens
of Gods are worshipped. These are called "Shintai" - a good body - out of which the term "Shinto"
has come. The ruler of heaven called Amaterasu, who ruled heaven and earth with the help of her
brother, Susanowo (thunder-God). The first creatures were divine couple - 'Izanigi' and 'Izanami'
who are said to have created the island of Japan. The chief plank of Shinto ethics is that good is an
absolute divine quality and must be ceaselessly practised. Charity is also a characteristic virtue.
276. What is Secularism?
It does not mean anything anti-religious. It merely implies "Sarva Dharma Samabhava" that is, a
believer in secularism while remaining an ardent follower of his own religion, looks up on all other
religions as different pathways to same goal God.
277. Secularism, in fact, is only a modern term for the old phrase "Religious tolerance" or
Sarvamatha sammathee (The Symbol of our Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Seva organizations is an
excellent example for secularism and we see the harmonious blending of all religions in this
symbol). Explain How?
The symbol of Sri Sathya Sai Seva organizations (Printed on the cover page of this book) is an
excellent example of the harmonious blending of all religions. The Om in this symbol refers to the
universal Om kara Brahman or Hinduism. The Chakra is Dharma chakra, of Buddhism. The fire
symbol refers to Zoroastrianism and the crescent moon with a star refers to the religion of the Islam
and the cross represents Christianity. We have got the "Prasanthi symbol" of the lotus in the middle.
This Symbol emphasises the ideals of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai namely Sathya, Dharma, Shanti,
Prema and Ahimsa. The Symbol teaches us the noble way of living to reach the goal of God. It says
that to attain immortality one has to cross it out the "I" feeling in oneself that is the Ego, and that is
the sacred holy cross. Make your ego die in the cross. (Put I and cross or cancel it becomes the
cross, the symbol of Christianity). Destroy your evil thoughts and bad tendencies in the holy fire
and purify yourself and do good, see good and be good. Just like the star that never leaves or moves
away from the crescent moon you also see or try to be fixed in your faith to God and never vascilate
from your faith and be firm in your faith. Realise that just like the wheel or Chakra, the cause and
effect are always rotating and realise every action has got a reaction and if we do good and follow
Dharmic path then we will enjoy good results and good life and our Dharma itself will save us from
this Bhavasakara which is always changing. Try to Recognise the Om kara, or Pranava, which is the
eternal sound, called the "Akshara-Brahmam" or God. God is present every where in this universe
which is Omnipresent and which is present even in your heart as well. Try to listen to this Omkar
and follow the path of spirituality. All religions all morals codes like Dharma, Shanti, Ahimsa,
Prema, and Sathya, all leads to the one and the only goal that is God who is Sathya Swarupa. All
religions speaks about God alone who is the Eternal Truth. The "Prasanthi" symbol of the Lotus in
the middle shows that if we follow the spiritual path shown by our Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
then Akanda Jnana will blossom in our hearts and will make us realise the unity in all religion and
above all, it will enable us to realise the Eternal Truth or Sathya Swaroopa. So what Bhaghawan
Baba teaches us applies to the whole universe and to all creations and not to one separate Religion
or part or sect of Religion. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Himself is Sathya Swaroopa in the True sense.
278. Describe the greatness of Indian culture and spirituality?
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says that Indian culture is born of the heart and of intuitive wisdom.
It is the source of all religions of the world. It is difficult to properly and fully understand the
multifaceted Indian culture. It is not connected with odd and fertile things such as the objects of the
material word. Indian cuture can be compared with 'Kalpavriksha', the tree that gives all one wants.
Approach with reverence and in a spirit of earnest enquiry alone will enable you to comprehend it.
It is ridiculous if we, having been born as Indian calling ourselves Indian, are not able to understand
the inner meaning and the real significance of Indian culture. Like the elephant which inspite of its
strength, obeys the trainer, ignorant of its own strength, we are ignorant of our own strength and
follow others. Like a beautiful garland of flowers, our Indian culture is made up of variety of castes,
creeds, religions, customs and we have got a variety or number of languages and differences; yet we
live in unity. Our devotion to God and spiritual way of living is the unifying factor. In no other
country we can see such a variety and such a high standard of living. Indian culture and spirituality,
has got no equals. Our Veda is our treasure. What is not in Veda cannot be seen anywhere. In the
"spiritual field, India occupies a very significant role of a Guru". We Indians have got such a great
heritage and culture to our credit. God has chosen this land for proclaiming His truth. The very fact
that all Divine Avatars have taken place in this sacred land shows its greatness. Our land is a Yaga
Bhumi and not a Bhoga Bhumi. Our ancestors, the great sages had realised Divinity and gave great
Truth to the whole universe in the treasure of Vedas, Upanishads and great Epics like Ramayana,
Mahabharata etc. Our culture and spirituality and our Sanathana Dharma does not belong to one
company or religion, but it is for the whole universe. This is the greatness of India and her culture.