Mahatma Gandhi was a Hindu who
dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth. He believed that love,
respect, and truth were the underpinnings of all religions and the
basic foundation for a moral life. As he famously once said when
asked if he was a Hindu, “Yes I am. I am also a Christian, a
Muslim, a Buddhist, and a Jew.”
When I was little, my mom babysat a
little boy named Hilliard. When asked what religion he was, Hilliard
said, “I'm a Mormon Methodist!” :-)
I too see myself as a Buddhist,
Christian, Jew, and Mormon. I do not know much about the Hindu and
Muslim religions, but I think I would find much in common with them
if I took the time to understand their beliefs. Gandhi was part of
every group yet not affected by “group think” or group prejudice.
The truth motivated him to love, respect, and serve others.
Love is the most motivating power in
all the world. God has the greatest power because They (God includes
both a man and a woman, Father and Mother) have the greatest capacity
to love. Their dominion is an everlasting dominion that flows to Them
without compulsory means. Why? Their intelligence and love is so
compelling that it draws me to Them.
I have learned to recognize God's voice
because They persuade me with Their reasons. They are gentle and
meek. Their knowledge is so full of light that when they present
their ideas, I want to change because I can see a better way. They
are kind and patience as They suffer with my ignorance. Their love is
real. When They correct me, I am still full of hope because I can see
my next step.
I follow God because it brings me great
joy to do so. It is my delight. I love to be enlightened and taught
by Them. They are Truth, and I love the Truth. They bring light,
understanding, peace, joy, and comfort to me.
I cannot say I know a lot about God
because I find my paradigms are often changing as I am on this
journey of life, but I do know what it feels like to be in the
presence of the God of Love. I know what They sound like. I would do
anything to live a life with Them and learn to be like Them.
And so like Gandhi, I am Buddhist,
Christian, Jew, and Mormon because all of these people have taught
truth that has enriched my life and brought me joy.
If someone has Truth that can increase
this love I feel in my heart, I am interested.
