All the religions and revelatory books that man has produced on our planet, one and all, do not contain a consistent universal truth. This is because in every such book are to be seen passages interpolated into those texts by certain groups of individuals, as the situation in their view warranted and as their dogmatism and mulishness dictated. Consequently, those religions or faiths did not in the final analysis work towards the good of all. This in turn resulted in sects and sectarianism. Small wonder that these sects hate and turned against each other.
Secondly, the Creator of this universe is also the Creator
of human beings. It would not be surprising if He, because He is merciful,
would want all human beings to enjoy all human privileges and rights. In
reality, however, this does not happen and human beings suffer unbearable
miseries of various kinds.
In sum, this solar system and naturally the planet earth
which we inhabit are created by one Creator. Why is then that the human beings
living in different states and nations hate each other? How and why are the
foolish passions of religion and national hatreds generated.
Source – Jyotirao Phule – The Book of the True Faith (1891)
More on the above teaching:
In Search of Universal Truth: The Nature of Religious Texts and the Inclusive Wisdom of the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita
Throughout human history, religions and their associated holy books have served as guides to the divine, offering insight into the mysteries of life, morality, and the cosmos. Yet, as one examines the vast array of revelatory texts—from the Bible and the Quran to the Vedas and Buddhist sutras—a striking observation emerges: there is no single, consistent universal truth encapsulated within these scriptures. This inconsistency can be largely attributed to the historical process of textual formation, in which passages were often interpolated by various groups, driven by their own agendas, cultural circumstances, and doctrinal dogmatism. In contrast, ancient texts like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, which form the philosophical backbone of Hindu thought, display an intrinsic emphasis on the welfare of all beings and eschew the sectarian divisions so prevalent in other traditions. This article explores the reasons behind the lack of consistency in many religious texts and highlights how the teachings of the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita stand apart by promoting a universal, inclusive truth.
The Historical Context of Holy Books
Religious scriptures are not merely divine dictums set in stone; they are dynamic documents that reflect the socio-cultural, political, and historical contexts in which they were written. Many holy books were composed over extended periods by numerous authors. As these texts were passed down orally and later transcribed, the original messages were subjected to various interpretations and modifications. In times of social upheaval or doctrinal disputes, influential groups or sects often felt compelled to introduce new passages or reinterpret existing ones to reinforce their own views.
For instance, in the history of many religions, scribes and theologians added clarifications, commentaries, or even entirely new sections to align the texts with the prevailing ideologies or to resolve contradictions that arose over time. This process, known as interpolation, often resulted in layers of content that, while individually meaningful, could collectively seem inconsistent or even contradictory when viewed from a modern, holistic perspective. The cumulative effect is that, rather than conveying a single, unified message, these scriptures contain a mosaic of beliefs and values influenced by the diversity of human experience.
Interpolations and Dogmatism: How Texts Become Fragmented
The insertion of later interpolations into holy books is not merely an accidental byproduct of historical transmission—it is often a deliberate act driven by human dogmatism and the desire to assert control. Various groups within a religion may advocate for interpretations that suit their particular needs, whether these are political, social, or spiritual. In doing so, they contribute passages that serve their own agendas rather than reflecting a consistent universal truth.
Dogmatism, the unwavering adherence to a set of beliefs without room for questioning, frequently leads to rigidity in interpretation. When religious texts are selectively edited to support dogmatic views, they not only lose the richness of the original revelation but also become a battleground for competing interpretations. Such modifications can alienate followers who seek a more inclusive and expansive understanding of the divine. Instead of serving as a source of inspiration for all, these texts gradually become markers of sectarian identity, delineating boundaries between “true” believers and those who deviate from the prescribed norms.
This selective reinforcement of ideas has far-reaching consequences. It sows the seeds of division by establishing hierarchies of belief—where one interpretation is seen as superior to another. The resultant fragmentation is evident in the many sects and sub-sects that emerge within the same religious tradition, each with its own version of “truth.” The holy texts, rather than being a single repository of divine wisdom, turn into palimpsests of human ambition and bias.
Sectarianism: The Outcome of Inconsistent Revelatory Texts
Sectarianism is an almost inevitable consequence when holy books become repositories of layered interpretations and interpolations. As different groups highlight and amplify particular aspects of a text, the unity of the original message gives way to multiple, often conflicting narratives. These sects are not only theological in nature but also sociopolitical entities that may engage in rivalry and strife.
The divisions among various sects often extend beyond mere theological disputes; they can influence social structures, cultural practices, and even political alliances. When a community’s identity is closely tied to a specific interpretation of its sacred texts, any deviation is perceived as a threat to its very existence. Over time, the result is a hardened orthodoxy, where pluralism is suppressed in favor of a singular, often exclusionary, dogma. The more a text is used to demarcate boundaries between different groups, the less likely it is to foster a universal approach to human welfare.
In such an environment, religious institutions might prioritize the preservation of sectarian identity over the pursuit of truth or compassion. The original intent of many spiritual teachings—to elevate the human spirit and promote a harmonious existence—gets overshadowed by the need to maintain power and control. The inevitable outcome is a cycle of division and conflict that undermines the potential of religion to serve as a unifying force for humanity.
The Unique Wisdom of the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita
In stark contrast to many revelatory texts marked by interpolation and sectarian bias, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita offer a profound alternative. These ancient texts form the core of Vedantic philosophy and emphasize the pursuit of self-realization and universal understanding. Their teachings are rooted in the idea that the divine permeates all existence, and that the ultimate truth is not confined to rigid dogma but is accessible to every individual through inner exploration and realization.
Non-Dogmatic Philosophy:
Unlike texts that have been heavily edited by various factions, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita focus on the inner dimensions of spirituality. They encourage individuals to look beyond external rituals and dogmatic proclamations to discover the underlying unity of all life. The teachings emphasize personal experience and introspection as the paths to realizing the ultimate truth—a truth that is not subject to the vicissitudes of historical or cultural reinterpretation.
Emphasis on Universal Welfare:
At the heart of the Bhagavad Gita is the concept of Karma Yoga—the path of selfless action—and Bhakti Yoga—the path of devotion, both of which are designed to foster a sense of duty not only towards oneself but also towards society. The text teaches that every action should be performed with an awareness of its impact on the larger whole. This holistic view discourages actions driven by narrow self-interest or sectarian rivalry, and instead promotes behaviors that contribute to the welfare of all beings.
Similarly, the Upanishads expound on the idea of Brahman, the ultimate reality that is the source of all existence, and Atman, the inner self that is inherently divine. By asserting that Atman is a reflection of Brahman in every individual, these texts naturally advocate for a perspective of universal brotherhood. When one recognizes the divinity within oneself and others, the impetus to divide and discriminate diminishes, paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to life.
Integration of Diverse Paths:
Another notable feature of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita is their inherent acceptance of diversity in spiritual practice. Rather than imposing a single mode of worship or a one-size-fits-all solution, they acknowledge that different individuals may find different paths more suitable for their personal growth. This pluralistic approach not only enriches the spiritual experience but also minimizes the likelihood of rigid sectarianism. By embracing multiple paths to the same ultimate truth, these texts foster an environment where differing spiritual practices are seen as complementary rather than contradictory.
Universal Welfare and the Absence of Sectarianism
The teachings of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita transcend the limitations of sectarian divisions because they are fundamentally oriented towards universal welfare. They remind us that the divine is not confined within the boundaries of a particular group or community, but is the essence of all existence. This inclusive vision naturally leads to a rejection of exclusivity and dogmatism.
Focus on Inner Transformation:
One of the central tenets of these texts is that true transformation comes from within. Instead of external markers of identity—such as caste, creed, or sect—what matters is the inner realization of one’s connection to the universal spirit. This inward focus diminishes the impetus for outward conflict and rivalry. When the goal is self-realization and the betterment of the individual in relation to the whole cosmos, the divisive impulses that lead to sectarianism lose their grip.
Promoting Harmony in Diversity:
The universal principles outlined in these scriptures encourage adherents to see the divine in every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs. This perspective fosters an attitude of respect and empathy, laying the groundwork for social harmony. In a world increasingly characterized by division and polarization, the inclusive teachings of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita offer a refreshing alternative—one that prioritizes collective welfare over individual or sectarian interests.
A Call to Action for Global Unity:
In modern times, where the challenges of globalization, environmental degradation, and social inequity loom large, the call to recognize the interconnectedness of all beings is more pertinent than ever. The Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, with their focus on universal welfare and inner unity, provide a philosophical framework that can inspire not just individual spiritual growth but also collective action towards a more just and compassionate society. They urge humanity to look beyond superficial differences and work together for the greater good.
The absence of a consistent universal truth in many religious texts is a reflection of the complex historical processes that have shaped them. Interpolations made by various groups, driven by dogmatism and the desire for control, have fragmented the original messages, often resulting in sectarian divisions. These modifications, while meaningful in their own right, tend to serve specific interests rather than the collective welfare of all.
In contrast, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita stand as timeless beacons of inclusivity and universal welfare. By emphasizing inner transformation, the recognition of a common divine essence, and the acceptance of diverse spiritual paths, they provide a framework that naturally mitigates the divisive tendencies of dogmatism and sectarianism. Their teachings remind us that the ultimate truth is not a static, exclusive doctrine but a dynamic, inclusive journey towards self-realization and collective harmony—a journey that benefits all beings regardless of the paths they choose.
In a world where religious differences often lead to conflict, the philosophy embedded in these ancient texts offers a compelling vision of unity and universal care. It is a reminder that while human history may be fraught with divisions, the deeper quest for truth and well-being remains a shared endeavor—one that calls for transcending our differences to embrace the oneness of existence.