Image credits: ISKCON
The Science of Religion
Religion as it is expounded in Vaishnavism has a theory and of course, a practice. However, what we find is that each religion tends to have its own theoretical background and a practical side to it. The universal side of it has been lost down the ages because it has become separated into many religions and these have been watered down, such that over time religion has lost its meaning.
The best way I can show this is by the following examples in which I explain the basic principles of the science of religion: -
1. God is one – the Father or Lord Sri Krishna, the ‘transcendental cowherd’.
2. The purpose of religion is to love God – this forms the basis of devotional service.
3. This love of God includes compassion for human beings and all living entities – ‘vasudaiva kutumbakam’ the world is one big family.
4. We are spiritual in nature or sat-chit-ananda beings part and parcel of the One eternal Father.
5. God is personal, localized and impersonal – all three at once. Hindus extol the personal aspect as supreme, Christians realize Him as the Son while Muslims worship His impersonal feature.
6. The pure teachings exist in all religions – for instance the early Christian saints were all vegetarians believing in the concept of karma, etc.
7. There are different levels of understanding in the science of religion because it was preached according to time, place and circumstances.
8. God and His messengers incarnate in various peoples to teach religion and gives the gift of knowledge to all – although this is adulterated over time.
Through the above eight examples, we can see that the concept of karma is very important and also compassion to all living creatures is central to the science of religion. We need to commit to least violence to God’s creation in order to be redeemed spiritually. Therefore, there is an urgent need for spiritual reform in all religions, otherwise this planet can become hellish merely by the violence that we are causing to other creatures only to satisfy our palate.
The following are some guidelines that can change the course of everything spiritually and therefore fundamentally: -
1. Don't commit violence or disturb people in their prayers. This principle applies to everyone.
2. No beef eating - opt for plant-based alternatives to meat – this will contribute to save planet from global warming too. It applies both to Christians and Muslims.
3. No lab based meat or harvesting – this will perpetuate violence to animals, which we want to preclude at all costs.
4. Worship of the Shiva lingam has to be done the Vedic way.
5. Circumambulate deities and Shiva lingams clockwise - you will get positive energy.
6. Don't worship spirits - they cause you to lose your pure consciousness and become destructive or demoniac.
The above principles can usher in an era of 'heaven on Earth' or the incipient Satya Yuga or Golden Age. Now it is up to us to take the right action and bring about the necessary societal changes to expedite happiness.
Jai Sri Krishna!
By Krishna Leela Prakash
This Sri Krishna Janmashtami
03 September - 07 September 2023
The author: Krishna Leela Prakash (N.P Gukhool)
The Guru: His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada