The knowledge of this divinity - Religion is the manifestation of the Divinity already in man - is the secret of man’s development both in individual and collective life, secular as well as spiritual. It finds expression in two distinct ways: ‘I am divine’ and ‘Thou art divine’. As a man becomes aware of his own divinity he becomes aware at the same time of the divinity of his fellow-beings. Along with the development of his faith in himself his regard for others develops. His potentialities grow as his self-faith is intensified. His capacity for serving his fellow creatures necessarily increases. … Only the realization of spiritual oneness with all can develop such universal love. It is bliss and freedom at the same time.
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With the development of spiritual consciousness … an individual’s moral and rational nature are bound to develop … that make his cultural growth, his social relations, his material well-being sound and secure. The exemplary lives lived by spiritual personages serve as guides for the men of the world. Their wisdom, their moral integrity, their lofty thoughts, and noble deeds even influence the masses. That is why in the wake of religious revival in a country there has been social, political, cultural, and material advancement as well, creating epochs in the history of human civilization.
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Without the recognition of the spiritual oneness of mankind the unification of the world cannot be accomplished. It is the only common ground where heterogeneous human elements can meet despite racial, social, economic, political, and cultural differences. The various races and nations of the world cannot be any time at the same level economically, politically, socially, or culturally. Nor can their interest in all these fields ever be identical. Naturally, the developed nations will find themselves close together and away from the underdeveloped. Races of similar cultural standards and tastes will come near to one another separated from the rest.
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The universality of religion does not point to the existence of one religion the world over as the sole survivor of the rest, as the bigots imagine. It simply means the peaceful co-existence of all religions. It is to be achieved by mutual understanding, appreciation and a reverent attitude towards one another. Not even eclecticism nor syncretism can establish the harmony of religions. Eclecticism aims to select the best out of every religion and combine them into a consistent whole. It may present something as attractive as a bouquet of flowers. … Syncretism aims to reconcile the divergent religions by stressing the similarities among them and ignoring their differences.
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Harmony of religions is the crying need of the day. It is essential to the peace and progress of the world. No civilization can exist nor grow without this. All bigotry and intolerance, all narrowness and sectarianism must leave human minds. Instead there should be mutual regard, friendliness, and co-operation in all spheres of life. Religion, which avowedly stands for love, charity, and peace, must take the lead. Time has come when religious ideas must broaden. The adherents of every religion must know the universal truths that underlie all religious doctrines and disciplines despite their differences. Without understanding them no follower of any religion can understand his own religion, or the religions of others. The lack of appreciation means the lack of sympathy and benevolence. The same spiritual principles that support religion support all other aspects of life. Spirituality is the key to life’s development in all fields. Religious ideals in a broad sense must cover the entire life of man. … The central truth of religion is the divinity of man. … To realize this divinity is the goal of spiritual life.