Chapter 49 Chapter 22 A Comparative Study of Religions

If I find myself completely immersed in serving the Indian diaspora, then the reason behind it is my desire for self-fulfillment.I make service my own religion because I feel that only through service can I know God.The so-called service, in my case, is serving India, because it comes naturally without seeking, and I am willing to do it.I went to South Africa to travel, to escape the political strife in Catiahua, and to make a living for myself.Yet as I said, I found myself seeking God and working on my own fulfillment.My Christian friends aroused in me an almost insatiable desire for knowledge, and they would not let me pass through it even if I wanted to.Mr. Spencer Walton, the president of the South African Missionary Union, took a fancy to me in Durban, and I almost became a member of his family.I was able to know him, of course, from my association with Christians in Pretoria.Mr. Walton has a different approach.As far as I can remember, he never asked me to convert to Christianity.Yet he laid his life before me like an open book, and let me observe all his movements.Mrs. Walton was an extremely gentle and able woman.I love the attitude of these two.We understand that we are fundamentally different from each other, and no amount of discussion can erase that difference.However, as long as we can tolerate each other, and have an attitude of fraternity and truth-seeking, this difference in opinion also has its benefits.I love the Waltons for their humility, patience, and love for their work, and we see each other often.

This friendship kept my interest in religion alive.Now I have no free time for religious studies as I had in Pretoria.But whenever I have a little spare time, I always make good use of it.My newsletter on religious issues has continued.Raichand Bhai was my mentor.A friend gave me a copy of Dharma Vega by Narada Shankar.The preface to this book was very helpful to me.I have heard of the unrestrained life of this poet, and I was fascinated by the preface when he talked about how his life changed because of his study of religion.I gradually fell in love with this book and read it intently from beginning to end.India—What Can It Teach Us? by Max Müller " and the English translation "Upanishads" published by the Theosophical Society.These books made me respect Hinduism more and more, and made me gradually realize its beauty.Although, that doesn't make me biased against other religions.I have read Washington Irvine's The Life of Muhammad and His Successors and Carlyle's eulogy for the Prophet.These books have raised my admiration for Muhammad.

I also read a book called "The Sayings of Zarathustra".In this way, I gained more knowledge about various religions.This research has enhanced my capacity for self-reflection, and it has also given me the habit of acting upon inspiration.Therefore, I practiced some yoga methods I learned from studying Hindu classics.But my progress is very limited, I decided to seek expert guidance after returning to India.However, this wish has never been realized. I also conducted an intense study of Tolstoy's writings. The Bible in Brief, What to Do? " and several other books left a deep impression on me.I began to realize more and more the limitless possibilities of fraternity.Around this time, I became acquainted with another Christian family.I accepted their offer to go to Wesley Church every Sunday; and they always invited me to dinner on that day.That church didn't give me a good impression. The preacher seemed to be speaking insipidly, and the congregation didn't seem very pious, and there was no particularly strong religious atmosphere.They seemed to be worldly people, who attended church only for recreation and habit.When I was there, I sometimes dozed off involuntarily, and I felt ashamed, but the same was true of the people around me, so I felt a little bit of masturbation.It's not a permanent solution, so I won't be going anytime soon.

My relationship with the family I went to every Sunday suddenly broke down.In fact, it can be said that I was warned: don't go to their house again.Here's the thing.My mistress was a good and simple woman, but narrow-minded.We often discuss religious issues.I was rereading Arnold's Lights of Asia.Once we compared the lives of Jesus and Buddha.I said, "Look how compassionate Gautama is! His compassion is not limited to human beings, but extends to all living things. When we think of the lamb curled up happily on his shoulders, can we not be overwhelmed with emotion?" Compassion? But people do not see this kind of love for all creatures in the life of Jesus." This contrast made the good lady feel sad.I can understand her feelings.I broke off the subject and went into the dining room with her.Her son, an angelic child less than five years old, also ate with us.There is nothing happiest with children, and this child has long since made friends with me.I mocked the piece of meat on his plate, and praised my own apple.This innocent child was persuaded by me, and I praised the deliciousness of the fruit together.But what about the mother?She was in a panic.

I was warned.I restrained myself and changed the subject.I still went to her house the next Sunday, but with a little uneasiness.I don't know that I shouldn't go anymore, I don't think it's good not to go.But this kind lady solved my problem. "Mr. Gandhi," she said, "please don't be offended if I say something I have to say. My son will do no good with you. Every day he hesitates to eat meat and asks for fruit. , and use your reasoning to deal with me. This is too much. If he doesn’t eat meat, he will definitely lose weight, if he doesn’t get sick. How can I bear it? From now on, you can only discuss these issues with us adults; Talking about it with children will definitely have a bad influence."

"Mrs.," I replied, "I'm sorry. I understand how you feel as parents, because I have children myself. We can easily end this unpleasant situation. My choice of diet is certainly more important than what I say. It can affect the child. So I think the best way is not to bother you in the future, of course, this need not affect our friendship." "Thank you," she said, visibly relieved.