THE PURPOSE OF LOTUS
SWAMIJI QUOTES
The Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS) is a unique temple dedicated to the Light of all Faiths and World Peace, emanating from the vision, design and inspiration of H.H. Sri Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev)
The purpose behind the LOTUS is to bring people together so that we can remember the unity behind the diversity. All the different religions are there to help us achieve peace and communion. They may offer different prayers and practices, but all of these are designed to help us commune with God. There are many different roads that lead to the same goal. Because we are one in Spirit, it doesn’t mean that we need to renounce our path or approach. That is not unity; that is conversion. Real unity means accepting all the various religions as equally valid approaches to God. That is what the Lotus and interfaith understanding are all about.
The idea behind the LOTUS is not to have all faiths merge into one or to give up one religion for another. That is why our motto has always been, “Truth is one ; Paths Are Many” We must do everything within our capacity to follow the principle that we should not, and cannot divide ourselves in the name of God and religion. Otherwise, we are looking at the superficial side of religion and forgetting to go deep into its essential teachings. If we did go deep, we would find that all the religions ultimately talk about the same God, the same Truth. It is time for us to recognize that there is one truth and many approaches.
The world is really beginning to understand this now. There are many, many global interfaith conferences. The time has come; the world has shrunk. We cannot separate ourselves and deny each other. It’s time to know, respect, love one another and to live as one global family. Our humble aim in building the LOTUS is to spread that message.
May the entire universe be filled with Peace and Joy, Love and Light.
Om Shanthi
The purpose behind the LOTUS is to bring people together so that we can remember the unity behind the diversity. All the different religions are there to help us achieve peace and communion. They may offer different prayers and practices, but all of these are designed to help us commune with God. There are many different roads that lead to the same goal. Because we are one in Spirit, it doesn’t mean that we need to renounce our path or approach. That is not unity; that is conversion. Real unity means accepting all the various religions as equally valid approaches to God. That is what the Lotus and interfaith understanding are all about.
The idea behind the LOTUS is not to have all faiths merge into one or to give up one religion for another. That is why our motto has always been, “Truth is one ; Paths Are Many” We must do everything within our capacity to follow the principle that we should not, and cannot divide ourselves in the name of God and religion. Otherwise, we are looking at the superficial side of religion and forgetting to go deep into its essential teachings. If we did go deep, we would find that all the religions ultimately talk about the same God, the same Truth. It is time for us to recognize that there is one truth and many approaches.
The world is really beginning to understand this now. There are many, many global interfaith conferences. The time has come; the world has shrunk. We cannot separate ourselves and deny each other. It’s time to know, respect, love one another and to live as one global family. Our humble aim in building the LOTUS is to spread that message.
May the entire universe be filled with Peace and Joy, Love and Light.
Om Shanthi
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