Having equal faith in all religions is not possible says Pujya Bhaishri during Bhagavat Katha in Dahod, Gujarat, India
The only way of being freed from all types of worries is to always be in touch with God, by remembering him all the time. Also remembering God is the only means of liberation from this world. As long as our mind is focused on God, we experience divinity. And such an experience of divinity and unceasing God consciousness can be achieved only with the help of Shrimad Bhagavat Katha. People who sing this divine song, Bhagavat Katha are truly worthy of being adored because it is only through the vehicle of such a divine katha that they transport us into the enchanting world of Vrindavan. In today’s times getting connected with God with is in itself a commendable achievement.
From 1st to 9th March 2006, the people of Dahod town in Gujarat had the benefit of experiencing such ecstatic moments by listening to the Srimad Bhagavat Katha from Pujya Bhaishri. The katha was organized by the committee presided by Param Pujya Mahant Shri Mauni Baba, and the chief host was Shri Badriji Dubey. The other members who aided in organizing this katha were Sarvashri Rameshji Agarwal, Rameshji Khandelwal, Pankajji Sheth and others.
All important festivals like Sri Krishna Janmotsav, Sri Ram Janmotsav, Sri Govardhan Utsav, Sri Rukmini Vivaha were celebrated. A grand Shobha-yatra of Shrimad Bhagavat Pothiji was also taken through the streets of the town.
Amongst the celebrated politicians who came to hear the katha was Shri Rajnath Singh, the All India President of BJP. Speaking on the occasion he said, “It is a matter of great wonder and joy that so many people come to listen to Shrimad Bhagavat Katha without any invitation. He further said that when we come to katha we come here not to speak but to listen. After coming to the katha venue we must listen attentively.” He also sought blessings for his political career so that he may be able to serve the people to his best abilities.
During the katha, Pujya Bhaishri said that in this entire world there is no other means like the Bhagavat Katha. The liberation of the person who lives in accordance with Bhagavat Katha is automatically assured. He further said that God thinks twice before blessing people with devotion. Because devotion is a priceless jewel which has to be cared for vigilantly. And after being blessed with devotion the responsibility of its total protection is also on God himself. But such priceless devotion can be gained easily by a sadhak of Shrimad Bhagavat. Criticizing those who tried to convert people from other faiths through inducements Pujya Bhaishri commented that the test of a true religion is not in its ability to allure people of other faiths into its own fold. Instead the true test of all religions was in their abilities to transform their followers into true human beings. When an individual becomes a true human being he will not commit crime against any other living being, instead he will serve the society in its true sense.
Commenting upon certain wrong ideas prevailing in our socio-political life Pujya Bhaishri said that today people are talking about ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhava’ i.e. having equal faith in all religions. But have we pondered whether this is ever possible? It is never possible. I may respect and bow to other’s mother. But I shall offer my worship only to my own mother. Similarly it may be possible to have equal goodwill for all religions but one can only practice one’s own religion. Further more Pujya Bhaishri said that those leaders of the society who talk about such wrong notions induced by their personal benefits actually do not believe in any religion. People should understand this fact very clearly. Because if someone finds the Truth in one’s own religion why should he seek refuge in any other religion? It is true that like different streams the ultimate goal of all religions is one. But one can reach the goal only buy taking up any one path. Similarly we can attain the ultimate realization or liberation by practicing the tenets of any one religion only. Therefore goodwill for all religions is possible. But equal faith in all religions is not possible. We do not oppose any religion. But we can offer worship to only one. And the same philosophy is reinforced through Shrimad Bhagavat.
The special feature of this Katha was the organizing of a two day lecture series by the members of ‘Shri Dahod Anaj Samiti’ in which Pujya Bhaishri presented a fresh insight into the various contemporary social problems and offered solutions to them.
Pujya Bhaishri also visited the institute established for the upliftment of Vanvasis by the followers of Saint Shri Ranchhoddasji. He also offered worship at the Kedareshwar temple and Shri Baijnath Mahadev temple near Dahod.
