Though we celebrate Janmashtami year after year, we hardly act on the message of Sri Krishna, “Leave aside all religious rituals and seek refuge only in the supreme Self.” This indeed is a clarion call to humanity at large; and thus the occasion could be celebrated by all sincere seekers for the synthesis of all religions.

Aldous Huxley found the clearest and a comprehensive human philosophy in the teachings of the Gita which are meant for entire mankind. He found it to be the most systematic spiritual statement of the perennial philosophy ever to have been made. Identically, Christopher Isherwood said in the context, “God’s light dwells in the self and nowhere else.  It shines alike in everything and one can see it with one’s mind steadied.”

The genesis of secularism as we understand the term and as has been explained by Dr. Radhakrishnan is rooted in the teachings of the Gita. Dr. Radhakrishnan explained, “When India is said to be a secular state, it does not mean that we reject the reality of an unseen spirit or the relevance of religion to life or that we exalt irreligion.  It does not mean that secularism itself becomes a positive religion or that the state assumes divine prerogatives.  We hold that not one religion should be given preferential status.  This view of religious impartiality or comprehension and forbearance has a prophetic role to play within the national and international life.”

Krishna’s teachings are not against any religious practice. He mentioned that whosoever worships Him in whatever way he/she likes ultimately reaches Him only. But at the same time he did not advocate any religion. He was for the synthesis of the whole gamut of human spirituality.

Predominantly, he taught yoga, the art of right action and attainment of equanimity which paves the way for union with the supreme Self through selfless service, divine wisdom, intense devotion or certain psychological practices.

If we follow the teachings of Sri Krishna, we can be truly secular, rising above all religions and become intensely spiritual for the ultimate realisation.