Gems of Faiths

A while ago, I was invited to speak at a Rotary meeting (Rotary Club of Bombay Pier). We, at the Times of India Bldg, have been having various discussions, as to how best Peace can be propagated to the people in this riot torn planet. As we discussed the various Faiths…2 things happened. A lot of misconceptions cleared, and a lot of Gems were discovered. I decided, this is a good a time as any to give my speech. My young Muslim friend joined me. I was happy to discover that it was well received. I thought that I would share a few of the points with you:

Religion is a step inwards. Religion should mean more about 'belonging' to Humanity rather than belonging to this sect or another. I believe that one has to commit to become more peaceful oneself first. The next step is to create a practicing society of living in peace.

ALL RELIGIONS SPEAK OF LOVE, FAITH, BROTHERHOOD IN ITS PURE FORM

CASTE SYSTEMS STARTED OUT AS VARIOUS PROFESSIONS.
A teacher could become a soldier and a businessman could become a teacher or a menial worker, if circumstances willed it, or if he so desired.
Please read about Shabri at this page.

IDOL WORSHIP IS A FORM TO FOCUS ON. Just like a flag stands for the nation and a father's photograph represents the father.
ONE HAS TO GO BEYOND THE FORM, WHEN ONE PRAYS…
ALSO GOD BEING OMNI-PRESENT RESIDES IN THE FORM TOO.

Believe in too many Gods? HINDUS DIVINISE EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE. YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR OBSTACLES TO BE REMOVED? PRAY TO LORD GANPATI

Looking for Wealth? Pray to Goddess Laxmi.

The essence of our culture is ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’. Satyam, the truth, which is Shivam or universally benevolent is presented in Sundaram or a beautiful manner. The attractive presentation ensures attention and appreciation from everyone. So whether it be Shankarji or Shri Krishna, both embody the highest truth, Satyam, are universally beneficial, Shivam, and are extremely attractive, Sundaram!

Our temples, and the ritual of Deity-worship are symbolic, and one should try to understand
the hidden symbolism behind the Gods and Goddesses and then worship them
in order to imbibe their attributes and make our lives divine and meaningful.

- Pujya Bhaishri

CHRISTIANITY stands for LOVE SERVICE AND BROTHERHOOD. CHRIST DIED for the TRUTH. HE BELIEVED THAT GOD DID NOT REQUIRE AN INTERMEDIARY BUT COULD BE APPROACHED THROUGH LOVE AND SERVICE.

GURU NANAK GOT RID OF SUPERSTITIONS AND SO DID BUDDHA

JIHAAD
Hindu Scriptures, The Bible and the Quran speak of God, prophets, Liberation, Heaven and Hell. Early Quranic verses speak of the word 'Jihaad' as an internal struggle to get over the darkness within oneself and allow the light to flow.

These are the early revelations that speak of this.

The root of the word 'Jihad' is JAHAD from which the word I JTEHAD also springs. I JTEHAD also means 'struggle' to make a legal decision in the point of law. When the Muslim community was settling in Medina, they were attacked. Innocent people were killed, but the Muslim did not fight back. Later when this continued, they stood up in self-defense and the word 'Jihad' is then used in the Koran as this war was for survival against persecution and NOT expansionism.

The word 'Jihad' does not mean HOLY WAR against infidels. I have heard scholars state that Islam does not propagate bloodshed in any form. Then why do people commit violence? I think that it is because they do not understand the real pure meaning that was intended by God who communicated through the Great Prophet.

TALAQ
There is no such thing as a triple talaq mentioned in the Koran. This was a pre-islamic custom which crept back into Islam Jurisprudence after the Prophet passed ON.

For further clarification on what I have just stated, you may read 'The Empowerment of Women in Islam' by Dr. Zeenat Shaukat Ali She is a Rotarian of Bombay Mid-Town and an Islamic scholar. She lectures at St Xaviers College.

I have been told, by my friend, Ms Raahat Jaafrey, that it is stated in the Holy books of Islam, that on the Day of Qayaamat (Judgement) Jesus, who is called Isa-alaish-Salaam will come on the roof of the Kaaba, and there, He will meet the Future Prophet.

One of the Gems that Raahat shared with me, that belongs to the Quran, goes something like this: Half the road (one travels in Spirituality), is covered, by prayers, good deeds, fasting, but the entrance to Heaven is opened, when one performs charity.

I WOULD LIKE TO STATE THAT PRAYERS, GOOD DEEDS, CHARITY AND DISCIPLINE IN THE FORM OF FASTING IS COMMON TO ALL FAITHS.

CHRISTIANS OFFER MASS AND TAKE FLOWERS ON DEATH ANNIVERSARIES, HINDUS PERFORM SHRAADH

CUSTOMS MAY DIFFER BUT THE CREEDS UNDERLYING THE MOTIVE IS THE SAME.

SAME JOYS AND SORROWS THE WORLD IS ONE FAMILY. VASUDEVA KUTUMBAKAM

I BELIEVE THAT: FOLLOWERS INTERPRET THE SAME TRUTH IN DIFFERENT WAYS AND COME OUT WITH DIFFERENT CONCLUSIONS.

DIFFERENCES ARE DUE TO CULTURAL AND GEOGRAPHIC ENVIRONMENT FROM WHERE THEY SPROUTED.

The Upanishads claim that the Atman (God within us) cannot be reached through much learning or much use of the intellect. Jesus Christ proclaims: "Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven." The Katha Upanishad proclaims "The path is narrow as the edge of a razor." Jesus said : "Narrow Is the way which leads unto life." Hindus believe that we are a small part (atman ) of the whole (Paramatma). In other words we are the same children of God and enjoy the same inherent qualities. Christians also believe that man is made in the likeness of God, and the Kingdom of God is within each one of us. Jesus Christ claimed; "I and my Father are one".

We Hindus believe In a Trinity: Brahma Vishnu Mahesh (Creator) (Preserver) (Destroyer)
Christians believe in Father, Son and Holy Spirit
The occultists believe in Light, Love and Power
and
Humanity at large believes in Mind, Body and Soul.