Becoming Hindu and Finding the Essence of All Spiritual Paths provides fascinating insight into a religious practice that is little known in the mainstream culture of America at present. There is wisdom in the concept provided here that Pure Love for God is free of selfishness and egoism. It would be a different world if this mind set toward one another based upon tolerance and free of hatred and xenophobia could flourish worldwide without any filters or interpretations based upon personal agendas. Wars, and dissension would evaporate like mist when touched by sunlight.
"The tension between the essence of spiritual teachings and the harmful fundamentalism that often arises in the name of religion is an issue that has engaged my mind practically as far back as I can remember. I recall in my childhood asking, "How is it that hatred could fester in the name of a loving God?"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/radhanath-swami/hindu-spiritual-paths_b_872246.html
"The essence of Hinduism is the same essence of all true religions: Bhakti or pure love for God and genuine compassion for all beings. Why should we fight over which religion is better? It is pointless. True love for God devoid of selfishness or egoism is the best religion. Wherever true love, broad mindedness, integrity and compassion are present, there one will find real religion through whichever path it is realized."
Speaking for myself, I found this article very inspiring and helpful in assessing my own view on religions and doctrines that sometimes do not "measure up" to the "ideals" set forth by a belief system. Doing so requires the seeker to clear their own judgments about various religions and approach the topic with an open mind. Also helpful is a dollop of tolerance coupled with patience and a willingness to "walk in another's shoes" to gain perspective on how cultures, societies, geography, history, traditions, and other variables impact humankind's worship of God. Even in countries where the same religious orientation is predominant, people will enact their own rituals and practices that sometimes seem strange to a visitor who shares the same religion. Becoming Hindu and Finding the Essence of All Spiritual Paths provides a perspective worthy of thoughtful consideration.
"The tension between the essence of spiritual teachings and the harmful fundamentalism that often arises in the name of religion is an issue that has engaged my mind practically as far back as I can remember. I recall in my childhood asking, "How is it that hatred could fester in the name of a loving God?"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/radhanath-swami/hindu-spiritual-paths_b_872246.html
"The essence of Hinduism is the same essence of all true religions: Bhakti or pure love for God and genuine compassion for all beings. Why should we fight over which religion is better? It is pointless. True love for God devoid of selfishness or egoism is the best religion. Wherever true love, broad mindedness, integrity and compassion are present, there one will find real religion through whichever path it is realized."
Speaking for myself, I found this article very inspiring and helpful in assessing my own view on religions and doctrines that sometimes do not "measure up" to the "ideals" set forth by a belief system. Doing so requires the seeker to clear their own judgments about various religions and approach the topic with an open mind. Also helpful is a dollop of tolerance coupled with patience and a willingness to "walk in another's shoes" to gain perspective on how cultures, societies, geography, history, traditions, and other variables impact humankind's worship of God. Even in countries where the same religious orientation is predominant, people will enact their own rituals and practices that sometimes seem strange to a visitor who shares the same religion. Becoming Hindu and Finding the Essence of All Spiritual Paths provides a perspective worthy of thoughtful consideration.
