Hare Krishna!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
The common question that I come across most of the time for which I don't have
complete answer. In this world there are different religions, philosophies,s ampradayas,
beliefs, theories, myths in the midst of all these elements it is very difficult for someone
to believe on one particular thing firmly. No offense to anyone but I feel there should be
something common for everyone without discrimination. There are people who are really
blissful is every religion and these charming personalities attract many into their faith.
I want to know from some one who is from other faith or philosophy to share their experience
of coming into ISKCON and Inspire neophytes like me. Thank you.
your servant
Aakash
Replies
So many different religions, philosophy, paths what is common in them?
Simple answer which most people fail to see and acknowledge is: Love of God.
Hare Krsna
So many different religions, philosophy, paths what is common in them ?
There are many many aspects common among all
1. Material world is not a happy place - Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Judaism, Hinduism all accept this.
2. Surrender to Supreme absolute truth - All religions and paths confirm existence of Supreme absolute power.
3. Take shelter of spiritual sound vibration which is in the form of - Literature, mantras, stories/pastimes, instructions, songs etc. Different paths give different versions or instances of the specifics like names, characteristics of god, But the common aspect is they describe God. The principle of describing God is highly regarded in all of them.
It is very difficult for someone to believe on one particular thing firmly
One has to go beneath the surface. Ocean from above looks all the same - waves and tides. Its a test.
Whom to follow ?
tarko apratisthah shrutayo vibhinna
nasav rishir yasya matam na bhinnam
dharmasya tattvam nihitam guhayaam
mahajano yena gatah sa panthaah
Superficial discussions/arguments are inconclusive. A popular personality whose opinion does not differ from others is not considered great. Simply by studying many paths , which are variegated, one cannot come to the right path by which religious principles are understood. The solid truth of religious principles is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated, self-realized person. Consequently, as the shastras confirm, one should accept whatever progressive path the mahajanas advocate.
This is from Mahabharata. It clearly says whom to follow - Mahajanas. There are 12 mahajanas
Someone from another faith coming into Iskcon
There is a very inspirational book on this - The Journey Home
Hare Krsna
Welcome Back! Bharat prabhu.
ys,Bh.R.
Hare Krsna Prabhuji,
PAMHO.
May I try to explain to you what I understand - suppose I tell you prabhu I want to visit you. Will you give me directions to come to your house pls? Your reaction would be - from where are you coming? If you are coming from this side, then you need to take the second left, then 3rd right, then go straight.... if you are coming from that side , then you need to take a turn from there, then turn right, then...... So you agree that there are more than one paths to go to your house. And you are one person in one city in one country in one planet of the entire creation. Then imagine how can there be only one path to go to God's house?
But to go to your house, if I keep on examining how many paths are there, and then analysing which path is how many kilometers, or some such thing, but never start, will I ever reach your house? That same way, there are many paths that lead to God, we have to choose one path which appeals to us and start walking on that path with faith and devotion. That does not mean that the other paths do not exist or are lesser paths. We should respect all other paths, while being firm on our own path.
Krsna Consciousness is such a vast and deep path that if one starts walking down this path, and one takes an interest in the philosophy and starts reading, there will be no time to read other literatures and thereby get deviated.
Another example I can think of is of a Class X student who has to decide on higher studies. There are many disciplines - Doctor, engineer, designer, accountant, fine arts.... Does that mean that each is lesser than the others? Can anyone have degrees in all the fields? Even suppose someone manages to get degrees in all the fields, where does it lead him? Better to attain mastery in one field, right?
The something common you are looking for in all the paths is also there prabhu - its love of godhead. Someone may call Him Krsna, some may call Him Rama, some Nrisimha, it doesnt matter. All religions and paths say the same thing - Love God, love the people around you, be good, do good, be honest, serve others....
Why I came into ISKCON? My first encounter with ISKCON devotees was incidentally in Mayapur. I saw that everyone is happy, peaceful, wihtout being loud, as in noone is bursting out crying or laughing, but I could make out that everyone is happy and smiling. No one is coming and complaining about anything. Prasadam was great and of course the darshans and aratis were ecstatic. That time, there was no Pancha Tattva deities, only 4 sakhis beside Radha Madhava.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Rashmi