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Jaina Philosophy and Religion of one's being Vaiṣṇava, Bauddha and Jaina, then Vaiṣṇavahood, Bauddhahood and Jainahood are not different things, but one and the same thing. It is because just as words 'jala', 'pāņi', 'vāri', 'water', 'nira', etc., mean one and the same thing, even so Vaiṣṇavahood, Bauddhahood and Jainahood mean one and the same thing, viz., to possess those good qualities. So the Jaina, the Bauddha and the Vaisnava are one.' [The same can be said in connection with the followers of other religious sects.] In the world, there will always exist diverse philosophical views and varied traditions of rituals.
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Philosophical thoughts of the learned thinkers differ from one another on account of the difference in the purity of their intellect. Of them, some may be right, some may be wrong, and some may be partly right and partly wrong. But the case with rituals is quite different. The external form of the worship of God as also of the act of spiritual reflection or concentration is related to the limbs of the body, to the external paraphernalia and to the chosen periods of time-particular hours of day or night, week, fortnight, month and year. So according to the different appearances of different places and times, as also according to the diverse tastes of the different peoples, the rituals will be always naturally different and their method of performance will also be different. Difference or diversity is natural to external rituals. This fact is very simple and quite understandable. Yet, those who lose their temper and become ready to fight on the difference in rituals are unwise. Those who despise the difference in rituals really lack understanding and tolerance.
It is necessary to understand and know that diversity of philosophical views and rituals can never cause the diversity of religion. Although men uphold different philosophical views and perform different rituals, their religion may be one provided they believe in the religion of truth and nonviolence.
It is crystal-clear that religiosity is measured by the practice of religion or righteousness, and not by sharpness of philosophical thinking, nor by ritualistic performance. And it is also clear that the only means to the spiritual elevation of life is religion (i.e., practice of the true religion of
1. The etymological meanings of the words 'Jaina', 'Bauddha' and 'Vaiṣṇava' point to the same significance. 'Jaina' etymologically means 'one who practises the discipline of controlling and subduing sense organs'. 'Bauddha' etymologically means 'one who delightfully walks on the path of pure and right intellect.' And 'Vaiṣṇava' means 'one who pervades, i.e., embraces all living beings with spiritual friendliness'.
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