Swami Sivananda had a unique broad outlook right from his boyhood. He gave a call to stick to the fundamental principles of religions, which are common to all of them. He believed that all religions are one; there is only one religion - that of love and universal brotherhood. His advaitic (non-dual) experience enabled him to see the one Cosmic Consciousness, the Atman, pervading every being and even every inert thing. He treated all beings as his own self. As this vedantic vision gives a new meaning to life, we present here some of his teachings on Universal Brotherhood...
One soul abides in all. There is one humanity. There is one brotherhood. None is high. None is low. All are equal. Man-made barriers should be ruthlessly broken down. Then alone there will be peace in the world.
There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. There is only one religion, the religion of love. There is only one commandment, the commandment of truthfulness. There is only one law, the law of cause and effect. There is only one God, the omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient Lord. There is only one language, the language of heart.
The highest ideal is cosmic love. Cosmic love is subtler than ether; so it pervades every atom of creation. The cosmic love itself is God, for God is love.
The secret of blessed life is cosmic love.
Develop cosmic love and universal brotherhood. See God in everything. Leave petty-mindedness. Expand. Evolve. Develop large-heartedness.
You will have to develop boundless love for all beings. This is the first and foremost qualification of an aspirant.
When one Atman dwells in all living beings, why do you hate others? Why do you sneer and frown at others? Why do you use harsh words? Why do you exploit others? Why are you intolerant? Destroy all barriers and prejudices that separate man from man. Recognise the worth of others. Let all life be sacred.
All life is one. The world is one home. All are members of one human family. Cultivate cosmic love. Learn to live as members of a single family. Champion the ideal of one humanity. The whole world is one family of God. Feel this. Realise this. Live in peace in one world. Be happy.
