According to the capacity of understanding, in every civilized human society there is a system called religion. It may be Hindu religion, Christian religion or Buddha religion—these are major religious systems—but the aim is how to make a solution of the problems of life. But because they do not seriously discuss nowadays the religious propensity, tendency of the human society decreases. It has become also a money-making business. The priestly order, they think that, “as others make some money by working hard, by professional or by doing some business or working, so we shall also earn some money by showing the church or temple or the mosque.” They have taken it like that.
Therefore people have lost faith in religion. This is the reason. Because those who are in charge of the religious department, the brahmanas, those who are in charge of religion, the priestly order or the maulanis or the brahmanas, they’re the same order, their duty is to keep people enlightened in the real mission of life. That is their duty. But if they’re also doing the same thing, sense gratification, how long they can cheat others? Therefore people have lost faith in religion. This is the reason. But that is not good. Because the system of religion has become polluted, we should not give up religion. That is our prime duty. Karamayi tasya eka bhusesya. What is the difference between animal and man? The animal has no religion. They have no religion. Eating, sleeping, sex and defense. Ahara-nidra-bhaya-maithunam ca, samanyam etat. This is very easy to understand. The dog is eating; I am eating. Dog is sleeping; I am sleeping. Dog is enjoying sex; I am also enjoying sex. Dog is also afraid; I am also afraid. So what is the difference between dog and me? The only difference is that dog has no religion; I’ve got religion. So if I give up religion, life of religiosity, then I am equal to dharmena hinah pasubhih samanah.
Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.24
by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Honolulu, May 24, 1976
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