Spirit of Religions

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About the Author Paramahamsa Hariharananda, born in 1907 in West Bengal, India, was a great realized master in Kriya Yoga. He attained nirvikalpa samadhi, the breathless, pulseless state, the long cherished goal of all aspirants in the spiritual path in 1948. A direct disciple of Swami Shriyukteshwar and Paramahamsa Yogananda, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahamsa Hariharananda was a unique spiritual preceptor who spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga in the East and West and established ashrams in India, Europe, and the United States. Well versed in scriptures, he was the author of many books. He was a truly great, yet extremely humble soul with a deep compassion for humanity. He was an incarnation of love, compassion, and service. He attained mahasamadhi (the conscious departure from the physical body) in 2002, at the age of ninety-five.

A significant part of his legacy is evident in the charitable works he committed to throughout his lifetime. Through the Hariharananda Charitable Health Centers thousands of people in need receive medical care and supplies every year. A variety of outreach and educational programs have been implemented including mobile medical and dental services and a residential school for underprivileged youths. The legacy of this great teacher lives on through the love and lives of his students.

Foreword In modern times, people have a wrong conception of religion. When looking back through history, or thinking about the current situation, people sometimes quickly come to the conclusion that there is no need for religion. Some people, echoing Karl Marx, even claim that religion is the opium of the people. It is not my intention to debate this, however, I only want to point out that every religion has made a great contribution to human civilization and creativity, enriching both the arts and culture, and above all, human life in its infinite aspects. Religion can be compared to fire. Can anyone say whether fire is good or bad? It is beyond the two, and depends on how it is being used. Fire can save and help lives, but it can also create a great disaster. Similarly, religious institutions in the hands of the wrong people may create problems in society. Yet a proper understanding of religious values and principles, as well as their practical application, can improve human life.

Often people do not get the chance to understand the true spirit of the various religions. An open mind, love in the heart, as well as inner experience are needed to gain this understanding. It would be so much better if, instead of rivalry and competition, there were cooperation and coordination among the religions of the world today.

In this collection of topics, some fundamental features of the great religions of the world have been compiled. Obviously, there are many more religions than those presented here. Nevertheless a beautiful picture of various religions, along with their basic features, emerges. Our master Paramahamsa Hariharanandaji was a visionary and a great soul who loved all religions equally. He was free of religious dogma and fanatical ideas. His method of teaching was unique, and his views were broad and inclusive, and touched the heart. As a mystic, he was able to enrich the lives of countless people, irrespective of their religious backgrounds. They loved him as their own prophet or holy person.

This compilation, presenting the major religions of the world. and their key principles, aims to offer the layperson an appreciation of their underlying unity, and leads to an enlightened and universal perspective. Unity in diversity is the beauty of humanity. We can weave this fabric of unity with the threads of love and understanding. May this vision of the great master create an integrated bond of love and understanding within humanity.

**Contents and Sample Pages**