27.

Vaisnavism and Christianity

Very often, a lot of people ask what would be the reason for the existence of
“Vaisnavism” in this world, as well as they ask what would be the reason for the
existence of Christianity. When studying impartially both philosophies we find that
Vaisnavism has very similar ontological goals and concepts, not to say identical to those
of Christianity. Here we are going to analyze these aspects point by point.

The soul is eternal, and it can appear in this world in different occasions; reincarnation is
part of the teaching of the Vedas, and it is also found in the Bible: when it refers Saint
John the Baptist, Christ affirmed that he had previously appeared as Isaiah (Luke 1. 1-25;
1. 17). On the other side, both philosophies coincide when they address the main goal
which is the Supreme Lord, and an eternal loving relationship with Him.

One of the most debated subjects is the diet habits. It is clearly known that the Essenes
(the first followers of Jesus) were vegetarian; the Old Testament says that the one who
kills a bull is as guilty as the one who kills a man. The priest Canciani from Rome says in
his book: “Jesus was vegetarian”, and that after a thorough investigation based on antique
documents of the Vatican it is proved that the first Christians were vegetarian and
persecuted for preaching vegetarianism by the Roman cattle businessmen. Saint Paul
clearly wrote on his fourteenth letter: Don’t drink wine nor eat meat. There are a lot of
evidences and a lot of Christian groups that also practice vegetarianism; although we
notice that there is a tendency in religiosity to abandon the principles, and loose up
throughout the process.

Nowadays, people want to sleep more, be less strict; and in this way in many accasions
they have given up the religious principles until a true prophet appears and awakens again
the appreciation for the most pure and correct path according with the original tradition.
In Vaisnavism, it is taught that we are responsible for every action we do, and that the
only thing above the law and justice is the divine forgiveness. In the Bible it is said the
same thing when it affirms: “Eye by Eye, tooth by tooth” the Talon law “the harvest
quality depends I how you sowed it”, etc. In the same way it is established that the
pardon of God or the pardon of Jesus can absolve the mistakes committed in the past so
that a person would be able to get to the right path, the spiritual perfection.

In Vaisnavism, a life of renouncement and simplicity is recommended, as well as it was

announced by the original Christians or followers who were recognized by their
humbleness, simplicity and dedication.

In Vaisnavism it is taught that the soul can have a personal and loving relationship with
God; and in the Bible on the “Chant of the Chants” the relationship between God and the
devotee is appointed as if God was the lover of the devotee’s soul.

In Vaisnavism, peregrinacion and the chant of the Holy Names of the Lord are
practiced; the king David said: from the sunrise to the sunset we must chant the Holy
Names of the Lord.
In Vaisnavism, the maltreatment to animals is prohibited, as Jesus expelled the animal
merchants from His father’s temple with a whip.

Vaisnavas as well as Christians always pay respect in a humble way to the seekers of the
truth.

It is a long list of similarities in which we also find not to authorize or allow any sectarian
tendencies that could then turn into aggression against other beings.

Vaisnavism is a path of tolerance; it is a path of service to others, and here it also

coincides with Christianity; as Christ told His disciples when He was asked who would
guide them after His departure: “The one, who wants to lead, must now become
everybody’s servant”. At the same time, the concept of Vaisnavism is that we must
become dasa dasanudas, servants of the servant of the Supreme Lord. And if these are
not enough similarities to pay respect and mutually strive to improve the conditions of the
planet Earth, then, we must look deep inside and meditate in our own path because that
would be the only thing that will illuminate us, and then we may be able to find a solution
to everything.

Picture texts:

“Truly, God possesses infinite names since everything about Him is infinite. No matter
how the child might call its father, it will do it somehow. We cannot condemn someone
because he or she has a different name to call God. The father won’t be happy to see his
children fighting over the way they call him. The important matter is that we are agreeing
in a fundamental fact which is that we must love Him and serve Him.

“Our first duty is not to hurt our minor siblings the animals, and to serve them whenever
they require it. If someone excludes a creature of God from the refuge of the compassion
and sensibility will act in the same way with its human pals”

(Francisco de Asis)

“Be always occupied chanting His Name and His Glory”

Bhagavad-Gita (9.14)

“As “los hechos” 2.21 have said: Everyone who invokes the Name of the Lord will be
saved”
*Friends:
In a virtual manner, through the worldwide internet web, the Vedic Wisdom also offers
solutions and light for any difficult situations.

Take whole advantage of this help source. The Vaisnava Academy has several courses to
help you in your daily life.

The most valuable thing of existence is the association with spiritually advanced people
who are always willing to help us. We have a wide variety of books about the Vedic
knowledge, yoga, art, and music, and also specialists who can heal not only the body but
also the mind, and more relevant, the soul.

You can visit our web site in Internet and write your questions to our secretary. I wish
you all the success in this life and even more in your encounter with your spiritual light;
the universal love.

Maxims:

“The creed is only the means; the goal is the Divine Love, the pure love for God”

“The search of purity, simplicity, modesty, humbleness, and the true attitude of
disinterested service should be the indisputable base for the divine revelation to descend
to us”
-Srila Guru Maharaj-