Category:God and Religion

Theme Analysis

Śrīla Prabhupāda provides the simplest and most absolute definition of religion: it is the law given by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Just as a citizen must follow the laws of the state, a living entity must follow the orders of the supreme controller. Therefore, religion cannot be manufactured by mental speculation, mundane politicians, or so-called spiritualists. Any system that lacks a clear conception of God or denies His personal existence is simply a cheating religion. The true test of any religious system—whether Hindu, Christian, or otherwise—is whether it helps the follower develop pure, unmotivated love for the Supreme Lord. Ultimately, the factual way of religion is to accept the Lord as the supreme authority, surrender unto Him, and engage in His eternal loving service.

• The Law of the Lord: Religion is simply the prescribed codes and orders enunciated by the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself.
• No Manufactured Systems: Just as one cannot become a lawyer without learning state laws, one cannot manufacture their own religious process; it must come directly from God.
• The Cheating Religions: Any religious system that has no clear conception of God, or promotes impersonalism, is a farce and a cheating religion.
• The Ultimate Test: The best religion is the one that successfully trains its followers to develop pure, unmotivated love of Godhead.
• The Core Principle: To accept the leadership of the Supreme Lord, follow His directions, and surrender unto Him is the essence of all actual religion.

• Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: Only the God Can Manufacture a System of Religion.