If we observe all present-day religious communities — whether Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, or any other organized faith — their conduct, teachings, and institutional structure are largely different from the essence of the original spiritual knowledge found in Vedanta and the Gita.
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1. Core Perspective of Vedanta and the Gita
Vedanta says — “Tat Tvam Asi” (You are That), “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman).
Its center is self-experience, self-realization, and non-duality (no separation between self and the absolute).
In the Gita, Krishna says — “Swadharme nidhanam shreyah” (It is better to die in one’s own nature/duty) and “Mamekam sharanam vraja” (Take refuge in Me — in that Supreme Truth).
Both aim at direct inner realization, not merely ritual or tradition-following.
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2. Nature of Present-Day Religious Communities
Far from Experience — Most are focused on ritual and institutional preservation, rather than personal realization.
‘Us–Them’ Walls — Vedanta and Gita speak of non-duality, but modern communities build walls of separation and opposition to preserve identity.
Interpreter over Scripture — The focus is on the guru / priest / preacher’s interpretation rather than the scripture itself.
Political & Social Interests — Religion is more often used for power, numbers, and propaganda than for awakening.
Tradition over Truth — Vedanta says “Know the Truth,” but communities say “Follow our tradition.”
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3. Convergence and Divergence
Convergence:
If a religion inspires a person to look within, live by their true nature, and directly realize God/Truth — it aligns with Vedanta and Gita.
