From Experience

INSIGHTS OF THE WISE His question was: ‘What do you think of our Lord Krishna?’ I replied: ‘Let me share a principle. According to the Quran, no Muslim has the right or permission to insult the leaders or guides of any religion (6:108). On the contrary, we are commanded to show respect to the religious figures and spiritual leaders of all faiths. Therefore, by this principle, we are bound to honour Shri Krishna as well as the leaders of other religions.’ Hearing this, the young man grasped my hand and said: ‘If all religious people were like you, then fights, killings, and constant riots would disappear forever.’ I took the opportunity and said: ‘If that is the case, then all of you must promise me that throughout your lives you will remove hatred and hostility from people’s hearts, and instead sow seeds of reconciliation, love, and understanding.’ All of them made that promise. Another outcome of this long journey was that we had to get off at Bangalore Cantonment Station, while they were to get off at Bangalore City Station. Since our stop came first, as soon as the train halted, those young men did not let any porter touch our luggage, nor did they allow us to lift it ourselves.