As Swami Ghanananda points out, Hinduism is unique among the historic higher religions in holding that neither Hinduism nor any other religion is the only truth or only way to salvation.
In the Hindu view, each of the higher religions is a true vision and a right path, all alike indispensable to humankind. Each gives a different glimpse to the same Truth, and each leads by a different route to the same goal. Each religion, therefore has a special spiritual value of its own which is not to be found in any of the others.
To know this is good, but it is not enough. Religion is not just a matter for study—it is something that has to be experienced and to be lived. This is the field in which Sri Ramakrishna manifested his uniqueness.
Sri Ramakrishna's life
One House, Many Doors: The Legacy of Sri Ramakrishna
tava kathamrtam tapta-jivanam
kavibhir iditam kalmasapaham
sravana-mangalam srimad atatam
bhuvi grnanti ye bhuri-da janah
The nectar of Your words and
the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those suffering in
this material world. These narrations, transmitted by learned sages, eradicate
one’s sinful reactions and bestow good fortune upon whoever hears them. These
narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual
power. Certainly those who spread the message of Godhead are most munificent.
तव कथामृतं तप्तजीवनं
कविभिरीडितं कल्मषापहम् ।
श्रवणमङ्गलं श्रीमदाततं
भुवि गृणन्ति ते भूरिदा जनाः ॥ ९॥
