Question :
1. I feel all Gods are same and there is only one God. I see lot of similarities between Krishna and Christ, Maheswarudu and Mohammed. What do you think?
Answer by Romapada Swami : Yes, there is only one God; it cannot be otherwise, because by definition God is `asamaurdhva’, meaning one who has no equal or superior power than Him. If there were more than one God, then who among them is superior? This question defeats the very meaning of God. However that one God has infinite forms and names by which He is known. (The converse is not true however, ie. that any form or name can be God!) His true identity, His actual names and forms, can be known through bona fide scriptures.
2. What happens to devotees who are not aware of Krishna but are totally sincere devotees of the religion they follow, like the Christians or Muslims? This religion they follow is what they get by birth. Please explain.
Answer by Romapada Swami : Real religion is described by the word `dharma’ in Sanskrit, which is often misunderstood to refer to one’s belief system or faith such as Christianity etc. Different people have different faiths as Christianity, Islam or Hinduism. But the particularities and rituals of different belief systems are not the essence of religion in themselves. The real definition of religion, as Prabhupada states within Srimad Bhagavatam, is “that which sustains one’s existence. A living being’s sustenance of existence is to coordinate his activities with his eternal relation with the Supreme Lord …” (SB 1.2.6)
The Sanskrit word `dharma’ literally means intrinsic quality. For example we might say that the dharma of fire is heat and light. Similarly the intrinsic quality of the soul is to serve, and in its pure state to render loving service to the Supreme Soul, God. The faith or religion one abides by today may change tomorrow, but one’s dharma or constitutional nature can never change, although in our present condition that intrinsic love of God is covered. Any system which revives that dormant mood of love for God is real religion, irrespective of external appearances. When one sincerely tries to approach God in that way, the Lord reveals all knowledge of Himself within the heart of that devotee, notwithstanding the faith or particular belief system they adhere to.
