Religion is the bridge that brings Man to the proximity of the Divine. The great religions of the worldHinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Zoroastrianism have been the torches that have enlightened the dark ages of man and showed him the path to salvation. Though religions are different, their goal is the same. Like the waters of the rivers flowing and merging into the deep sea, they are paths leading to the same God. But unfortunately religions have created differences among the people, divided them instead of uniting them! Religious fanaticism has resulted in horrible wars between Muslims and Christians in the past killing thousands of innocent lives. Even today religious wars, Jihads,are being waged between the followers of sects of the same religion! We begin to wonder if Man is really civilized in killing the innocent mercilessly!
The dire need of of the present is the unity of religions. A religion does not deserve its name if it cannot transform the individual into a better person. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says: " There is only one religion, the religion of Love. There is only one language, language ofthe heart. There is only one God. He is omnipresent" How prophetic and true are these statements of Swami! Every religion preaches love, right conduct, service to humanity and compassion to fellow creatures. Volumes have been written on these principles but alas, they are only on paper and observed more in the breach than in the observance!The defect is in man, not in religion
All religions are great. It is foolish to think that one is greater than the other. Different names are attributed to the same Divinity in diffirent religions. God is one and manifests himself in various forms, creatures, and persons. " ekah paratma bahu deha varth" Swami says: " Let the different faiths exist, let them flourish, Let the Glory of God be sung in all languages in a variety of tunes" Differences between faiths must be respected and accepted as valid in an effort to promote the flame of unity.
Swami's Avatar seems to have come precisely for this noble task of uniting all paths and bring about harmony among the followers of various religions. He has almost succeeded in imparting the spirit of Brotherhood of Man and fatherhood of God. As a beacon light to the drifting religious feelings of people, Swami inaugurated the Sarva Dharma Sthupa on November 22, 1975 in Prasanthi Nilayam. It is a concrete pillar in the form of a lotus bud on which the symbols of a few major religions of the world are inscribed. These sacred symbols signify that all religions lead man on the path to God. Om, the Pranava is the resounding beat in the heart and that of the universe. The Cross is to cut the feeling of " I " and allow your ego die. Dharma Chakra symbolizes the wheel of Cause and Consequence Islam requires one to be a star which never leaves the Crescent. It is fixed in steady faith. In Zoroastrianism you banish all bitterness in the sacred fire and emerge purified and godly! Swami has made this the symbol and badge of his Seva Organizations. Like the veena that produces discordant notes if a string is broken, the nation cannot prosper if there is disharmony between people of different religions.
Establishment of the religion of love is the greatest achievement of Bhagawan during his life time. None can call himself a true Hindu or a Christian or a Muslim if his heart is not filled with love! All thespiritual values enshrined in all the religions have been built as a mansion of World Unity by the lotus hands of Swami. As a consequence a Hindu becomes a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim,and a Christian a better Christian. Thus Puttaparthi has become the holiest of places for Hindus, Jerusalem for Jews, the Vatican for Christians, Gurdwara for Sikhs and Mecca for Muslims! It is only in Prasanthi Nilayam that all religious festivals are celebrated in a spirit of brotherhood and harmony,
Thus the objective of religion is to transform an individual into a better person full of love, compassion, brotherhood and a mind dedicated to the service of humanityI
Love All Serve All
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