Ms. Anne Agostini: Can the study of world religions help the seeker in gaining a better idea of what God is?

Sri Chinmoy: The study of the world religions may help a seeker in gaining a better idea or it may create unnecessary confusion. If one wants to be conversant in all religions, he is apt to enter into a sea of confusion instead of creating a synthesis of all religions. But there is no hard and fast rule that one will have such a deplorable fate. If there is inner guidance, by studying all the religions one is able to acquire the quintessence of all religions, which is Truth-discovery.

In order to realise all the religions in their pristine beauty, light and delight, one has to practise spirituality. Spirituality is the only way to enter into the very raison d’etre, into the very essence of all religions. There can be no other way. Religion can at most be the door or gateway to God’s Palace. But spirituality is the main room in God’s Palace. If you want to go to the main room, the living room, naturally you have to pass through the gates, the doors of the palace. If you want to, you can stop at the gate; nobody will prevent you from standing there. But if you want to go right into the main room, there is no need to learn about religion. You can practise Yoga and pass right through religion directly into God’s Palace.