Religions and Rituals: A Search for Unity

Warring religions and continuous abuse of Hinduism prompted me to write this book. In the usual comparative religion approach similes are shown while contrasts and conflicts are avoided with a passing mention. I have written both similes and contrasts for a better evaluation. In this context I remember a story that I read about the King of Hispaniola as told by the boasting Spaniards. After the Spaniards captured the King of Hispaniola they put him up on stakes to burn. Before setting the fire the padre of the Spaniards asked the King if he would agree to accept Christianity since it would not only save his life but would also guarantee his entry into heaven after death. The King after listening to the padre asked if all Spaniards go to heaven after death. The padre answered in the affirmative. The King then said that heaven must be a very vile place full of cruel people and the King further added that they can put fire so that he can happily join his forefathers. This story is a good reminder of how religions can make people cruel unless there is a good way of self-evaluation. This book seeks to fill up that gap in the study of comparative religion. It will supplement contemporary books like 'Snakes in Ganga' by Rajeev Malhotra and documentary films like 'The Kashmir Files' by Vivek Agnihotri.