Free Bumper Issue - Is your religion the best?
Issue #1 includes analysis, quiz, news, quotes, Q&A, book summary, editorial, book review, real-life application - Celestial Love Letters
Analysis
The lead story in each issue presents my analysis on one of my favorite topics in spirituality.
Is your religion the best?
Exploring the shared themes and beliefs across various religions can be a fascinating journey. Let me begin today’s analysis with some powerful verses from five different faiths, each offering a unique perspective on who God is.
“O son of Kunti, even those devotees who faithfully worship other gods also worship Me. But they do so by the wrong method”. —Lord Shree Krishna speaking to Arjuna, Holy Bhagavad Gita 9:23 (Hindusim)
“And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin”. —Holy Quran 4:48 (Islam)
“There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus”. —Holy Bible New Testament 1 Timothy 2:5 (Christianity)
“There is only one universal creator God - Ik Onkaar”. —Holy Guru Granth Sahib (Sikhism)
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me”. —Holy Bible Old Testament Exodus 20:2-3 (Judaism)
Picture this: an alien gets its hands on all those fascinating books I mentioned above. Can you imagine their reaction? Those little alien eyeballs would probably pop out of their head, just like the guy in the picture below! But here's the catch: if our extraterrestrial friend were to follow the teachings of one of those books, they'd have to discard the other four as outdated or irrelevant. Talk about a tough decision!
Now, let's get real. Has anything like this actually happened? Nope, not in reality. The majority of people out there view religions and scriptures as powerful symbols that help them connect with their Higher Self. It's not about using them to label others as less than human. Instead, it's about personal growth and finding a deeper meaning in life. Hey, just to clarify, when I mentioned “the majority of people,” I was referring to folks like you and me, not those brainwashed hardliners! I'm talking about open-minded individuals who see religions and scriptures as symbols of connection rather than tools for dividing humanity.
So, fear not! We don't have alien dilemmas like that to deal with. Instead, we have the opportunity to appreciate the diversity of beliefs and understand that they serve a purpose in bringing us closer to our own spiritual understanding.
My religion is the best?
While each of the above verses powerfully asserts the belief that the God defined in it is the only God, the apparent exclusivity can sometimes create confusion and differing interpretations, leading to the potential for religious supremacism.
Throughout human history, people have held religious beliefs and practices that have been handed down from generation to generation. As a result, many people tend to believe that their own religion is superior to others. However, such an attitude may contribute to a lack of interfaith harmony and understanding. In this essay, I will present compelling reasons for and against the statement “My religion is the best,” and argue in favor of interfaith harmony.
Yes, my religion is the best!
For the argument that “My religion is the best,” one could argue that it provides a sense of comfort and security. It gives people a set of beliefs and practices that guide their daily lives, and a community of people who share those beliefs. For example, Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is the savior of the world and that by believing in Him, people can receive salvation. Similarly, Islam teaches that Allah is the only God and that by following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, people can achieve eternal life. For those who believe in these religions, their beliefs provide them with a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
No, your religion is the best!
However, this argument is flawed. Firstly, the idea that one religion is the best assumes that all other religions are inferior. This leads to a lack of tolerance and understanding between different faiths. Instead, we should recognize that every religion has its own unique teachings and practices that have value and meaning to its followers. As the Dalai Lama once said, “All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion, and forgiveness”.
Secondly, claiming that one's religion is the best can create a sense of superiority and exclusivity. This can lead to religious conflicts and even violence. For example, the Crusades in the Middle Ages were fueled by the belief that Christianity was superior to Islam, and that it was the duty of Christians to convert or eliminate Muslims. Similarly, conflicts in the Middle East between Muslims, Jews, and Christians have been fueled by religious differences.
"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
—Martin Luther King Jr.
Instead of claiming that one's religion is the best, we should focus on promoting interfaith harmony and understanding. This means recognizing and respecting the beliefs of others, and finding common ground based on shared values. As the Holy Qur'an says, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.” (49:13)
“The diversity of religions and cultures in our world is not a cause for division, but rather an invitation to come together and celebrate our shared humanity.”
—Swami Sivananda
Interfaith harmony is also important for creating a more peaceful and just world. Many religions share the belief in treating others with compassion and kindness. For example, Buddhism teaches the importance of loving-kindness and the avoidance of harm to oneself and others. Hinduism teaches the importance of ahimsa, or non-violence (“Ahimsa Paramo Dharma”). Christianity teaches the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. (Matthew 7:12)
All religions, and even irreligion, are the best!
In conclusion, the statement “My religion is the best” is problematic because it assumes that all other religions are inferior, and can lead to intolerance and conflict. Instead, “My religion is one of the best” seems more spiritually evolved. We should focus on promoting interfaith harmony and understanding. By recognizing and respecting the beliefs of others, and finding common ground based on shared values, we can create a more peaceful and just world. As the Buddha said, “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule”.
In my personal experience, I've come to appreciate that every religion, whether ancient or modern, has the potential to guide us on our journey towards the Ultimate Reality. Just as every railway station in a country is authorized to issue passenger tickets, every religion is complete in itself to issue direct passes to connect with the Supreme Being. I believe there is no wrong religion or perfectly right religion. Instead, religion serves as a means to help us realize the universal, gender-neutral, race-neutral, and geography-neutral nature of the Supreme Consciousness, who loves all of creation, regardless of our beliefs or non-beliefs.
Further reading
If you're interested in learning more about interfaith harmony, I wrote a post (Post #361) in which I presented three compelling arguments in favor of promoting understanding and respect among different faiths. You can find the post on my social media accounts by clicking on the following links: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I encourage you to read it and share your thoughts on this important topic.
I hope you enjoyed reading the lead story in this inaugural bumper issue as much as I enjoyed writing it. As you scroll down, you'll find many other interesting features that I'm excited to share with you. If you found my writing compelling and would like to spread the word, would you consider sharing this article with five of your closest friends? It would mean the world to me and help grow our community of readers.
Quiz
Explore your knowledge of world religions and interfaith spirituality with a fun quiz in this section.
Multipath Quiz for Uplifting Your Spirituality Quotient
A. Which of the following is true about the Vedas (Knowledge)?
They were written by a single author at a specific time.
They are religious texts that form the basis of Hinduism.
They were composed in the 19th century CE.
They contain stories and legends about gods and goddesses.
B. What are the Tripitakas (the Three Baskets)?
Sacred texts of Hinduism
Sacred texts of Jainism
Sacred texts of Buddhism
Sacred texts of Sikhism
C. What is the significance of Mount Sinai in relation to the 10 Commandments?
It is the place where the Israelites received the 10 Commandments from God.
It is the place where Moses wrote down the 10 Commandments after receiving them from God.
It is the place where Moses received the 10 Commandments from God in the form of two tablets of stone.
It is the place where the Israelites rebelled against God after receiving the 10 Commandments.
D. What is Hadith in Islam?
The holy book of Islam.
The collection of sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad.
The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
The code of conduct for the teachers in Madrasas.
E. What is a defining belief of Mormons?
The belief in multiple gods.
The belief in a prophet named Joseph Smith.
The belief in reincarnation.
The belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ.
To find the answers, keep an eye on this space in next week's newsletter.
News
Just as we need darkness to appreciate brightness, we can't evolve spiritually by only consuming positive news.
Spiritually Positive: Inspirational News to Brighten Your Day
New York bans natural gas in most new buildings.
Great news from New York! They're leading the way by becoming the first state to ban fossil fuels in most new buildings. Say goodbye to gas-powered stoves and furnaces! They're promoting climate-friendly appliances like heat pumps and induction stoves instead. By 2026, all new buildings under seven stories must have all-electric heating and cooking, while taller buildings have until 2029. A major move for the environment!
Houston's Children's Museum is set to host a new exhibit showcasing different religions in 2024.
Exciting news! Houston's Children's Museum will introduce the Faithful Friends exhibit in 2024, exploring various religious beliefs. It will showcase six faith traditions in the cultural gallery for two years, alongside five other exhibits. The museum engaged over 200 faith leaders, advisors, and visiting families, and even had a Kids Committee to understand children's perspectives on religion. Get ready for an enlightening experience for the whole family!
Pavoor village in Karnataka, India, is a shining example of religious harmony.
Discover Pavoor village, Karnataka—a beacon of religious harmony in India! Hindu, Muslim, and Christian residents united to construct a shared entrance arch for their places of worship. Now, the Sri Vaidyanatha Temple, Al-Mubarak Juma Masjid, and Infant Jesus Church will all be accessed through this inclusive entrance. Witness the power of unity in diversity!
Hundreds of Ukrainian Jews were able to escape the war and immigrate to Israel with the help of Christians.
For 25+ years, Christians for Israel has aided Ukrainian Jews in immigrating to Israel. Amidst the ongoing war since 2014, they facilitated hundreds of Jewish individuals leaving the country through established connections and plans. Their efforts have provided crucial assistance to the numerous Ukrainian Jews seeking refuge from the conflict.
Spiritually Negative: Spiritually Provocative News that Pushes Boundaries
Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine: Russia Launches Ninth Wave of Missile Attacks on Kyiv in Current Month
Ukraine hit by ninth Russian missile attack on Kyiv this month. Most missiles intercepted, but damage in two districts. One person killed, two injured in Odesa attack. Russia intensifies missile strikes, but Ukraine successfully shoots down 29 out of 30 missiles. Train derails near Simferopol. Ukraine readying counter-offensive to impact Putin's strategy in invasion.
Texas Shooting: Man Fatally Shoots 5, Including 8-Year-Old Child, After Neighbors Requested He Stop Firing Rifle
Gunman at large in Cleveland, Texas, kills 5, including child, after neighbors ask him to stop shooting. Suspect, Francisco Oropeza, opens fire on neighbors despite their plea. Victims from Honduras shot at close range, with 2 women protecting children. Suspect sought, considered armed and dangerous. Incident underscores US gun violence problem.
Investigation into 'starvation cult' in Kenya reveals discovery of 47 bodies
Kenyan police find 47 bodies, including children, in investigation of alleged "starvation cult." Bodies discovered in shallow graves near Malindi. Church leader, Paul Makenzie Nthenge, in custody. Tests conducted to confirm starvation as cause of death. Kenya has history of dangerous religious groups.
Quotes
Discover some of the most thought-provoking quotes on interfaith harmony in this section.
Inspiring and Thought-Provoking Words for Reflection
“The path to peace and understanding among people of different faiths begins with dialogue and mutual respect.” —Thich Nhat Hanh
“No one should ever be excluded from participating in the spiritual or religious life of the community because of their differences.” —Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
“The differences in our religions are not a reason for conflict, but rather an opportunity for understanding and mutual respect.” —Dalai Lama
“Respect for other religions is an essential part of living a life based on spiritual values.” —Mata Amritanandamayi
“The essence of all religions is love, compassion, and justice.” —Karen Armstrong
Q and A
I may not be a spiritual master, but in this section, I'll do my best to address your questions based on what I've learned and my personal experiences with spirituality. Over the past three years, I've made an effort to respond to numerous inquiries I received through my interactions on social media as the founder of Spirituality with Ranjit. As a paid subscriber, you'll have access to a dedicated Google Form where you can submit your questions. I'll be sharing exclusive responses in a separate post sent directly to paid subscribers via email. In this issue, I'm featuring one of those Q&A sessions.
Ask Ranjit
Q.
“What are the distinguishing factors that help differentiate an enlightened spiritual guru from one who exploits people?” —Name withheld (posted on 23 Feb 2022)
A.
It is crucial for individuals to possess the necessary skills to differentiate between an enlightened spiritual guru and one who may exploit others.
In a previous post on the #SpiritualitywithRanjit platform, I shared a set of questions aimed at helping us evaluate our own spiritual understanding:
✴️ Do our teachings promote love or foster hatred?
✴️ Do we prioritize spirituality or religious practices?
✴️ Do we value actions driven by compassion for humanity or adhere strictly to ritualistic mandates?
✴️ Do we strive for inclusiveness or perpetuate divisions?
✴️ Do we support adaptive traditions that promote inclusivity or preserve ancient customs that maintain exclusivity?
✴️ Is our belief system aligned with the notion of a direct connection with the Supreme Power or reliant on intermediaries?
If your answers predominantly align with the second options in these questions, it may be necessary to reevaluate our spiritual understanding after receiving guidance from the aforementioned guru.
Further reading
You can find the previous post mentioned above on my social media accounts by clicking on the following links: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I encourage you to read it and share your thoughts on this important topic.
Book summary
Weekly book summaries that explore the role of reading across religions in facilitating interfaith understanding and building bridges between faiths.
Reading Across Religions: Uniting Faiths Through the Power of Books
Featuring: The Holy Bible (King James Version)
The Holy Bible King James Version is a collection of religious texts that are considered sacred by Christians all over the world. It is divided into two main parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament, which contain a total of 66 books. Here is a brief summary of each section:
Old Testament:
The book of Genesis explains the creation story, the fall of humanity, and the beginnings of the Israelite people.
The book of Exodus tells the story of Moses and the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt.
The book of Leviticus contains laws and regulations for the Israelite people to follow.
The book of Numbers details the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their eventual arrival at the edge of the Promised Land.
The book of Deuteronomy contains a recap of the laws and regulations given to the Israelites, along with a reminder to follow God.
The historical books (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah) detail the history of the Israelites from the conquest of the Promised Land to the Babylonian captivity and their eventual return to Jerusalem.
The poetic books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon) contain poetry, prayers, and wisdom literature.
The prophetic books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets) contain messages from God to the Israelites, warning them of the consequences of their actions and predicting the coming of the Messiah.
New Testament:
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) tell the story of Jesus Christ, his teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.
The book of Acts tells the story of the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel throughout the world.
The epistles (Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude) contain letters written by various apostles and early Christian leaders to the early Christian churches, providing guidance, encouragement, and correction.
The book of Revelation contains a series of visions that reveal the end of the world and the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
The Bible is an important text not only for Christians, but also for Jews and Muslims, as it contains stories and teachings that are foundational to these faiths as well. Its message of love, forgiveness, and salvation has influenced countless individuals and societies throughout history, and continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for people of all faiths today.
You can buy the book mentioned above on Amazon by clicking on this link. Please note that currently, the link does not include my Amazon Affiliate code, but I plan to include such codes in the future.
Editorial
I am incredibly grateful to present the free inaugural bumper issue of Celestial Love Letters, my weekly newsletter on Substack. I like to call it Issue #1, and I'll continue numbering it in this way going forward. Instead of burdening you with more "About" information in this editorial, I want you to immerse yourself in every section of this newsletter and discover the value it adds to your life, if any! I want to hear from you more than I want to speak to you. However, I do strongly recommend reading the About page and FAQ page if you haven't already, as they provide insight into the core philosophy behind this newsletter. While the format may evolve with reader feedback, I'll strive to maintain the fundamental structure in future issues unless a significant change is anticipated.
I eagerly await your response, even if it's critical. To respond, you can simply reply to this mail. To give me a silent approval, you can either simply press the like button towards the top or share this entire newsletter with five of your closed friends.
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Book review
The Spiritual Path: How to Create Heaven on Earth by Lily Rose
The Spiritual Path: How to Create Heaven on Earth by Lily Rose is an incredible book that really spoke to my soul. Lily, who is also known as Debbie Chutuk, graciously gifted me a personal copy of this gem—a whopping 700-something pages of pure wisdom and inspiration. Being a member of my Spirituality with Ranjit Facebook Group since early 2021, Lily's profound insights have always resonated with me.
In The Spiritual Path, Lily takes us on a journey of self-discovery, teaching us how to find inner peace and create a heavenly existence right here on Earth. Her words are like a gentle guiding light, reminding us of the power of love, gratitude, and mindfulness. Through relatable stories and practical advice, she shows us how to align with higher consciousness and embrace spiritual growth.
This book is a true companion for anyone seeking a deeper connection with the divine. It's written in a way that feels like a heartfelt conversation with a wise friend. It's become a treasured addition to my spiritual library, and I highly recommend it to anyone on their own spiritual journey.
Thank you, Lily (aka Debbie Chutuk), for sharing your wisdom and for being a valued member of our spiritual community. Your book has touched my life in profound ways, and I'm grateful for your contribution to our collective growth.
You can buy the book mentioned above on Amazon by clicking on this link. Please note that currently, the link does not include my Amazon Affiliate code, but I plan to include such codes in the future.
If you want to feature your book here, do write to me at spiritualitywithranjit@gmail.com.
Real-life application / case study
This section showcases the transformative potential of interpath spirituality and syncretism, and how applying these practices in our lives lead to personal and spiritual growth.
Featuring: Dr. Haseena Chokkiyil
Introduction
In this section, I want to share a captivating case study from Dr. Haseena Chokkiyil's childhood that highlights the transformative power of interfaith harmony. As an acclaimed author of The Kintsugi Moms and Chief Medical Officer at Dr. AKB's Mission Hospital, Kozhikode, India, Dr. Haseena reflects on an incident that left an indelible mark on her spiritual journey. This real-life application of interpath spirituality and syncretism demonstrates how embracing diverse beliefs and fostering unity can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth.
The Lesson That Shaped Dr. Haseena's Spiritual Journey
During her early years, Dr. Haseena's quest for a deeper spiritual meaning took root when she was introduced to the Quran at the local "madrasa." Although she enjoyed the companionship and light-hearted moments at the madrasa, she felt disconnected from the verses she learned by heart without understanding their true significance.
One particular teaching from her ustad struck her deeply: the concept of "kafir" meaning "anybody outside Islam." According to the ustad, touching non-Muslim friends after ablution would nullify one's namaz, leading to damnation. This contradicted the harmonious relationships Dr. Haseena had cherished with her non-Muslim neighbors and friends.
Seeking answers, Dr. Haseena turned to her father, Dr. Mammootty, her eternal hero, for guidance. In a profound conversation, he challenged the notion that religion should divide and exclude. He highlighted the importance of karma over religious identity and emphasized that love and humanity transcend religious boundaries.
Expanding her perspective, Dr. Mammootty recited an ayat from the Quran and a verse from the Bhagavad Gita. These passages reaffirmed that following the will of the Universe, irrespective of one's religious background, makes a person a true child of the divine.
The Transformative Impact
To Dr. Haseena's young mind, her father's insights were enlightening, providing a foundation for her philosophy of life. The realization that love and humanity supersede religious differences guided her journey towards interfaith harmony, compassion, and inclusivity.
Today, Dr. Haseena stands as a living testament to the transformative potential of embracing diverse beliefs. Through her acclaimed book, The Kintsugi Moms, and her role as Chief Medical Officer, she continues to inspire others to foster interfaith harmony and syncretism, promoting personal and spiritual growth.
Conclusion
Dr. Haseena's childhood experience serves as a compelling case study of interfaith harmony's transformative power. By breaking down religious barriers and embracing love and humanity, she discovered a path of profound personal and spiritual growth. This real-life application exemplifies how interpath spirituality and syncretism can enrich our lives, fostering unity, understanding, and compassion in an increasingly diverse world.
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