"As many rivers lead to the same ocean, so do all religions lead to the same God." This is a magnificent saying of the late 19th century Hindu saint, Shri Ramakrishna. With this precept in mind nearly my entire life, I have learned to respect all religions equally, for they all are designed to take us to the same place; just each one goes through a different path. Thus, I am not a 'non-believer' in Christ; I believe in him as much as I do in any Hindu God.

Born and raised in the United States, a nation based entirely on Judeo-Christian values, I cannot help but be influenced by Christianity. Christian beliefs in intrinsic goodness, love, and faith in the Lord are the same ones preached in Hinduism, especially faith in God. Christians are taught to have faith in Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior. What I do not understand, however, is how one cannot have faith in God. People often argue, "If there is a God, then where is the proof?" The answer is quite simple. Look around you. Look at the many good-hearted and compassionate people that live around you. That is your proof. God is manifest, to some extent, inside these such people. Great saints and prophets of all religions: Christ, Mohammed, Buddha, several hundred Hindu saints, and others, possess more of God inside of them than the average person.

The Christian faith says that the soul is born once into the earth, where it is embodied to lead a moral life. This is certainly true, except I believe that the soul is not embodied once, but infinitely. After a lifetime, God judges the life that the soul has led. According to this, the soul will be reincarnated into the world under better circumstances than in its past life, or it will suffer "Hell." Hell is not a physical place, nor is it eternal. Instead it is a state in which the soul is reincarnated into a lifetime of suffering. But what is important is that the Christian faith says that religion must be based on ethical and moral conduct.

Religion is eternal. Most Christians believe that Christ founded Christianity during his lifetime and that there was nothing before that. However, religion existed much before Jesus, or before any saint or prophet for that matter. Jesus, the Son of God, was sent by God to earth to open people's eyes to this infinite, cosmic power. Christianity stresses the past while emphasizing future rewards or punishments. Although this must be done to some extent, history is cyclical and focus should also be placed on God's presence here and now.

Christians generally believe that evil is a genuine force which lives in opposition to God. However, I believe that all is good; all contains God. It sounds strange, I know, for I had a tough time absorbing it as a young child. God is inside everything and everyone, but human instinct often keeps us from seeing Him in us. For example, a saint who resists all temptations and instincts will begin to see God inside him and elsewhere. However, the average person follows his instincts (vulernability to sin) and thus creates a blindfold for himself so he cannot see God as easily. If we can control our instincts, then we will get much further in our spiritual progress.

Salvation is attained through obedience to God's will. This is a belief shared both by Hinduism and Christianity. Another common idea is that temple worship or attendance at church will help create communion with God. What is important to remember is that this type of worship will help us greatly, but not take us there entirely on its own. Again, it is imperative that one leads a life of good ethical and moral conduct. Compassion is perhaps one of the most important virtues to possess. I believe that one must love all life, for God is in everything. Disrespecting someone or something would be an insult to God.

Thus you can clearly see that although I am a faithful and religious Hindu, I lead a life based on the universal ideals of all religions. Christianity has had a very positive influence on my life, as I have taken many Christian values and applied them to Hinduism. Some may doubt, "How on earth can you mix religions?" It's possible, believe me. Shri Ramakrishna, an extraordinary Hindu saint (whom I quoted earlier) often meditated on Gods of other religions. Through his intense meditation, he eventually had visions of Christ and Mohammed as well as Buddha and other great prophets. This is what needs to be done today in the world; one must be somewhat universal in accepting all religions, for they are all paths to the very same goal.

"I believe that one must love all life, for God is in everything.."

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