Devotee:
Dear viewers, on this beautiful evening at Shanti Kunj, I pay my respects to Ma Baba Tarak and my Gurudev. Greetings, Gurudev!
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Greetings.
Devotee:
I'd like to discuss an important topic with you today. As we know, it's currently the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims. Respectfully, I have a question about the differences between Islam and Sanatana Dharma. Islam, as mentioned in the Quran, states that life occurs only once, followed by judgment on Qiyamat, with no rebirth. However, Sanatana Dharma teaches that rebirth is possible. Which perspective should we follow? Also, Brahma is seen as the creator and protector of all beings; why do the two religions differ so significantly on this?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We must consider the "Adi," the original. For us, deities like Shiva, who is timeless and beyond names or origins, represent the Adi. Similarly, we view Brahma as the creator and protector. While Islam appeared later than Sanatana Dharma—a fact many Muslims would acknowledge—it still has esteemed Prophets like Hazrat Muhammad, who practiced profound spiritual discipline (Sadhana). These figures, including Sufis and Darveshs, have achieved a spiritual status comparable to our highest Hindu saints.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Their teachings, based on their spiritual experiences, emphasize Qiyamat—the end of the world. In our tradition, we speak of the cycle of eras: Satya, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali Yuga. We are currently at the end of the Kali Yuga, after which a new Satya Yuga will begin. Though we don't know exactly how this transition will occur, both traditions suggest a period of great destruction. As I predicted for 2022, we are seeing widespread suffering, famines, and economic crises in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan. These events align with the concept of Qiyamat.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I recall a story about Loknath Baba's visit to Mecca to meet a prominent Peer or Darvesh. After waiting for three days, Loknath Baba finally met him. The Peer asked about their ages, and Loknath Baba responded with his actual age. The Peer then interpreted their ages in terms of the number of births they had experienced—one, two, and three, respectively. This story highlights that even within Islamic traditions, there are those who understand the concept of multiple births.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ultimately, at a certain level of spiritual attainment, the distinctions between Hindu and Muslim fade away. Both the Quran and the Gita offer profound truths, though they may be expressed differently. For example, while the Gita teaches that the soul is immortal and neither born nor dies, the Quran focuses on a single life followed by Qiyamat. These are matters of faith and tradition.
Devotee:
Gurudev, your words remind us of the importance of unity. Regardless of our religious differences, we are all human beings living together.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. We should focus on our shared humanity and live in harmony, respecting each other's beliefs without conflict.
Devotee:
Thank you, Gurudev. Greetings.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Greetings.