Nowadays in many countries they talk about being tolerant and having equality
White / Caucasians must be tolerant to other African American or Hindu to Muslims or African American to Caucasians, tolerant to gay etc
Then when they can’t settle it based on culture or humanity, they bring in religion.
Now religion is very dogmatic for some and others use it a as a matter of convenience.
Any where you go people get split up – politics or religion. Each one thinks his or her Way is perfect.
Once – two of Yogananda disciple were arguing. One was vegetarian other was non vegetarian. Mind you Yogananda only awakened the shakti in vegetarian
In any event – the matter went to Yogananda. Who is right – vegetarian or non vegetarian the right diet
At that moment Yogananda was firmly established in God consciousness. He smiled and said – you both are wrong. Both of you are arguing based on your past habits from previous births.
Consciousness has no preference. It remains untouched and above all.
Ok fine and dandy. The point is remaining equal also requires remaining above all and loving both equally.
That lofty status is for a few. It is our goal.
For those who can’t reach that lofty status we should use discriminatory wisdom. Yes the goal is to see equality. But be wise in your approach
For example , yes be compassionate to animals. Kind and loving.
You can adopt a cat or dog. But you can’t and should not have a tiger or bear as your pet !
How does this pertain to religion?
When your Spiritual growth is like a seed barely sprouting , you should not expose yourself to contrary things. Your mind can get easily swayed. An atheist progressing in mediation should not mingle with someone who believes in God. And someone who believes in God should not mingle with atheist
Atheist or a believer in God are both welcome in spiritual growth. In mediation. God does not require you believe in him to get closer to him. Just try to achieve inner calmness. And soon he appears. That’s all there is to it.
In someways atheists progress faster because he does not restrict God but saying God must be like this – blue eyes like Jesus or wearing a peacock feather like krishna or dressed in ochre like Buddha or white clothes like mahavir or like Hanuman
In someways believers have it easier since they can throw the burden on God
There is a hint in this blog pertaining to current world problems
Bhavin