- A Powerful Legacy of Unity, Wisdom, and Shared Humanity
Mahadeep Singh Jamwal
India, a land of unparalleled spiritual diversity, is not merely a mosaic of different religions but a testament to the profound strength of interfaith harmony and mutual respect. The country’s religious tapestry is a vibrant reflection of its rich philosophical, historical, and cultural heritage. In this vast land, where Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism coexist, the inter-relation between these religions is far from being a matter of mere tolerance; it is a powerful, living force that has shaped the soul of the nation. The spiritual interactions across religious lines in India are inspiring examples of collective wisdom, shared humanity, and the universal pursuit of truth. India’s religious landscape is grounded in the timeless truth that all paths, though different, lead to the same ultimate reality. As Mahatma Gandhi profoundly articulated, “I believe in the fundamental truth of all great religions of the world. I believe that they are all but different paths to the same God.” This vision of unity transcends religious boundaries, affirming that at the core of all faiths lies a shared commitment to truth, love, and compassion.
The Bhagavad Gita, religious text of Hindus, in essence, serves as a bridge between religions, focusing on universal truths that transcend religious levels and promote spiritual unity. The Qur’an, with its teachings of mercy, justice, and brotherhood, advocates for peaceful coexistence. In ‘Surah Al-Hujurat’ (49:13), it says: “O mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” This verse highlights the unity of humanity, transcending superficial differences in race, ethnicity, or religion. Similarly, the Bible emphasizes love for one’s neighbor, a sentiment echoed in every religion’s call for empathy and understanding. Matthew 22:37-39 states: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This central teaching of Christianity reflects the idea that love and compassion lie at the heart of all religions. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, declared: “There is neither Hindu nor Muslim,” reinforcing the idea that religious identity is secondary to the shared values of humanity. In the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism, it is written: “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim. All are children of the One God.” This teaching emphasizes the unity of all people, regardless of their religious affiliation.
The relationship between India’s diverse religions is not just a historical accident; it is the result of centuries of intellectual exchange, cultural integration, and mutual respect. From the ancient days of Buddhism and Hinduism, which share philosophical roots, to the synthesis of Islamic and Hindu traditions under the Mughal Empire, India has been a cradle of interfaith dialogue. Akbar the Great’s philosophy of ‘Sulh-e-Kul’ (Peace with All) created a space for cooperation between Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Jains. The Qur’an (5:48) encourages such peaceful coexistence: “To you be your religion, and to me my religion.” One of the most profound ways in which India’s religions have interrelated is through poetry and devotional music, which have transcended religious divides. Kabir, a mystic poet and saint who rejected the boundaries between Hinduism and Islam, crafted verses like “The mosque is my temple, and the temple is my mosque,” reflecting his deep belief in the unity of all spiritual paths. In Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib is a spiritual and intellectual bridge between different faiths. The Sikh scriptures contain hymns by Hindu saints like Kabir, Ravidas, and Namdev, showing the syncretism between the two traditions. The Guru Granth Sahib teaches: “The Lord is one, but His names are many.” (Guru Granth Sahib, p. 1349). The mystical tradition of Sufism in Islam also shares profound similarities with the Bhakti movement in Hinduism. In his famous poem, Bulleh Shah wrote, “I am neither a Hindu nor a Muslim; I am a servant of God.” These words reflect the shared pursuit of truth that transcends the boundaries of religion. India’s rich tradition of interfaith dialogue and unity has been championed by several of its influential leaders who, through their words and actions, emphasized the importance of harmony among different religions. Figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation for India’s secular and inclusive ethos. However, more recent leaders, including Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh, Narendra Modi, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, have continued to promote and reinforce the ideals of unity, respect, and collective progress in an ever-evolving India. Indira Gandhi, the first female Prime Minister of India, once said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s, famous speech at the Parliament of India in 2003 exemplifies his commitment to national unity: “We may belong to different religions, castes, and creeds, but we are all Indians.” Vajpayee’s leadership emphasized the importance of shared identity as Indians.
Swami Vivekananda in his speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 reflected his philosophy of inclusiveness and the essential unity of all religions, when he said: “We believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true.” The spiritual leader, Dalai Lama in various speeches, interviews, and writings over the years has expressed: “All major religious traditions carry basically the same message; that is love, compassion, and forgiveness… the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.” Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (Judaism) – “Religion is about the way we connect with the world and with each other, not the way we connect with our own ideas.” Desmond Tutu (Christianity) – “Religion is about the beliefs we hold about how we should live our lives and how we should treat one another.” Summarizing, I endorse the words of Dalai Lama – “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” We should think on these lines!