07

Generally, the basic spirit of the term interfaith or inter religiousness is to bring together people from different religions, sects, beliefs, doctrines and ideas, mainly through the process of dialogue and action. The root of the current common idea of interfaith could be found in a portion of a Mantra of the Rigveda (1: 164: 46), the most sacred and important interpreter of the Sanatana Dharma, which says, “Ekam Sadvipraa Bahudhaa Vadanti”, i.e., “Truth is one (only), whom the wise call by different names.” This entire verse of the Rigveda is very important. Along with binding the entire humanity in the thread of unity, it is also capable of achieving the objective of interfaith at present. This entire verse states:

“Indram Mitram Varunamagnimaahuratho Divyah Sa Suparno Garutmaan/
Ekam Sadvipraa Bahudhaa Vadantyagnim Yamam Maatarishvaanamaahuh//”

“They call Aditya (the Supreme Being in the form of Truth) as Agni, Indra, Mitra and Varuna, the greatest of all divine, golden-winged, graceful in motion; He is the one (only) Truth, whom the wise call by different names like Yama and Matarishva.”

It is quite clear that Truth is, though one, addressed by different names. Every person can call the Truth by any name. Also, according to the basic spirit of this Mantra, there can be many ways or mediums to follow the Truth and reach the Satya. On the basis of his realization, faith or belief and wisdom, anyone can choose his own path to follow the Truth. For this, he can create a medium suitable for him. No one else can stop him from doing so. No one can force him to deviate from the path or medium chosen by him to reach the Satya.

In this regard, the ‘Anekantavada Theory’ that appears in Jain philosophy, which is, in fact, the heart of this philosophy also; the concepts like ‘Syadvada’ and ‘Nayavada’, are associated with it, is a great idea or doctrine centered on ideological multiplicity. The Anekantavada propounds that the Truth and reality are understood differently when viewed from different angles. Therefore, the absolute Truth cannot be known or understood by looking from a single perspective. This unique theory is in accordance with the basic spirit of the Richa of the Rigveda, which we have already quoted at the beginning of the discussion in hand. The Anekantavada allows humanity different paths to be followed for the realization and attainment of Truth.

Truth is universal, stable, and not hidden. The basic spirit of Truth is “Sate Hitam”, that is, the welfare of all. Keeping this reality at the centre, it is better for people belonging to different religions, sects, beliefs, faiths, principles and viewpoints to come together honestly through dialogue and work for the purpose of the welfare of all.

Truth calls one to indulge in Karmas for the welfare of all while accepting oneself as an inseparable part of the Indivisible Whole and embracing the reality of Universal Unity. It expects one to see one’s own welfare in the welfare of the whole.

In accordance with the basic spirit and expectation of Truth, if people of different religions or beliefs and viewpoints come together, completely get themselves free from prejudices, and converse with the pure purpose of common welfare through interfaith forums, then many conflicting situations can be avoided. Further, for this, their coming together, and contributing to common good through dialogues and works, means definitely stepping forward towards achieving the common objective. In such a situation, people of different lifestyles, faiths or beliefs pave the way for a peaceful and development-oriented co-existence in the same society or the country.

But, if any party goes to the interfaith forums with prejudice; accepts its own belief as the ultimate path of truth and considers the belief, faith or path of others as false and inferior to itself, then it is a situation of contaminated faith. It is, in fact, itself averse to the Truth. Participation of such people in any interfaith forum can only be a sham and an attempt only to pursue their own hidden agenda, as is seen in many interfaith events.

The success of interfaith forums is possible only through the recognition of different paths or means taken by people for ‘realizing and attaining the Truth’. Equal respect or honour for other’s opinions, beliefs and views is essential for the success of interfaith or inter-religious forums and also to achieve their objective. This success can be achieved only through the commitment of people of different religions, sects, beliefs and ideologies to work together in a state of peaceful coexistence with the pure objective of common welfare while getting completely free from all kinds of prejudices.