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Appendix IV
Oneness of Religions
Ācārya Amitagati, a renowned Jaina saint of 11" century A.D., summarised the philosophy of Jainism beautifully in the following verse; "May my soul ever find fulfilment in friendship towards all beings, in reverence to all the virtuous, in compassion towards all suffering creatures, and in remaining neutral even towards those hostile to me, this shall be my prayer ever!”
satveșu maitrī guņișu pramodam, klisteșu jīveșu krpāparatvam/ madhyastha bhāvam viparīta vrittau
sadā mamātmā vidadhātu devall
Compare this with select verses from chapter twelve (verses 13 to 20) of the Bhagavadgītā and you will marvel at the oneness of all religions despite their ‘apparent' differences.
The Lords says: “He who hates none, he who is ever friendly and compassionate to all, who is devoid of attachment and egoism, balanced in pleasure and pain and forgiving such a one is most dear to me indeed”. The other verses also detail qualities that are dear to the Lord, that enable man attain to Godhead.
(“Adveștā sarvabhūtānām..... ...yaḥ ca me priyah" - eight beautiful verses of Bhagavadgitā- XII.13-20)
* The Indian Express, 23 April 1995
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