Among the six realms, the most intelligent beings are in the human realm with our high potential and capability to alter our existence. It is human power and efficacy that make this world either peaceful or disrupted. Through human intellect, the word religion came forth into existence. In this world we have variegated and widespread phenomena called religion, which means particular systems of faith and worship, where groups of people are devoted to refraining from certain negativities and venerating their particular deities. Religion exists on the basis of practical and logical evidence, not merely on assumptions. It deals with the transformation of our physical behaviours and mental attitudes. Generally, it provides us a hope in life and a means to face death, encouraging reassurance in a hostile world and a way to deal better in these modern times.
Religion based on faith and worship has been enacted as a framework to bring forth peace and happiness in our societies despite being misinterpreted by delusive followers. Every religion has taught its principles, view, meditation and conduct differently on the basis of the analytical acuity of its religious figures. Whether one is Muslim, Christian, Hindu or Buddhist, the common principle is to avoid harming others and generate universal love. A fraternity of love is the basis of all religions. The pioneers of all religions never taught a single phrase to harm any human or any living being. This statement can be further proved as follows: Buddha taught in one sutra; “Avoid evildoing; accumulate virtue well; tame your own mind.” Similarly, Allah taught in the Koran, 5:32: “If anyone killed an innocent person, it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind. And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole of mankind.” Also the Bible says: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
These are some indications that the founder of the major religions taught flawlessly to their followers, but as time and circumstances have changed, some ignorant successors and their followers have distorted the original intention and degenerated the original teachings into discordant principles of worship, which has resulted in incremental chaos and disorder in various societies. Peace and prosperity cannot be maintained when the religious reformers elevate their perverted views to gain name, fame and popularity. There are numerous incidences where religion turns out to be the main cause for the disputes and fragmentation of castes and creeds in societies. Thousands of innocent people are losing their lives in the name of the misinterpretations and perverted views of religious distorters. It is often considered that religion limits women and upholds the idea of a male-dominant society. One which views women as inferior to men is actually a problem of false interpretation and misunderstanding of religion. This is not the fallacy or defect of religion, but mere misinterpretations.
Moreover, the pernicious practices of misinterpretation are still prevailing mainly because of not realizing the depth of the source texts by the commentators. Some envisage religious activities as being not to benefit others, but merely to boost their business. In this era, an ample number of people, without understanding the true spirit and philosophy of religion, consider it to be a way of life rather than the aspect of life for an individual to frame physical and mental transformation. The false beliefs and perceptions concerning the views of other religions keep us away from the truth and do not establish peace.
These days, there are some religious “reformers” who try to teach about the tenets of other religions without sufficient knowledge and background of those particular religions, thereby distorting and losing the original meaning. So one must be fully aware when one interprets religious views and theories. If not, one is destroying the bridge of fundamental friendship between countries, misleading people onto the wrong track, fostering disrespect, and going against the law of humanity.
By Sangye Tenzin
9th Year, NNI
