Religion has often been viewed through the lens of boundaries—of doctrines, books, and identities. But what if religion is not about divisions, but rather about unity? What if it is less about allegiance to a specific scripture and more about understanding the wisdom that transcends them all? Through this article “The Essence of Religion: A Universal Path Beyond Boundaries” we will try to uncover the universal truths.

What Is Religion?

Before seeking the answer, let us ask:

• What is the Bhagavad Gita?
• What is the Quran?
• What is the Bible?

Are they separate from the religions they represent? Or are they simply vessels of wisdom, meant to guide humanity toward truth?

The Gita is knowledge. The Quran is knowledge. The Bible is knowledge.
And knowledge, by its nature, is universal—it does not belong to any one group. It is meant for all who seek it. So, if these sacred texts are wisdom, then what is religion?

Religion is the pursuit of understanding. It is not an inheritance we are born with, but something we learn and embody through our choices.

Yet, many believe that the religion of one’s birth is divinely assigned. If this were true, then why do people strive to convert others? If religion were predetermined, then the act of conversion itself would contradict divine will.

Clearly, something is amiss.

The Misconception of Religious Labels

Did Rama ever declare that he was Hindu? Did Krishna? Did Jesus ever claim that he was Christian? Did Buddha call himself a Buddhist, or Mahavira a Jain?

None of these great souls confined themselves to a single label. Instead, they existed beyond boundaries, embracing all who approached them with love and sincerity.

Rama lived in a small land, yet his acceptance was vast. He saw humanity, not divisions. He ate berries from Shabari, embraced Vibhishana—a supposed enemy. Would he have rejected people of different faiths if they had come to him with devotion? Certainly not.

For Rama, religion was honoring his wife, respecting his father, serving his teachers, and showing love to all.
For Sita, religion was devotion to her husband, standing by him through every hardship.
For Lakshmana, religion was protecting and revering his elder brother.

None of them ever spoke of being followers of a specific religious label. So, what “Hinduism” do we claim to follow today? If one calls oneself Hindu yet disrespects one’s spouse, if one fights one’s own siblings over wealth—can such a person be truly religious?

Religion is not a badge; it is a way of living.

The Universal Message of Jesus

Was Jesus Christian? Many believe that he was sent as the Son of God to cleanse humanity of sin.
But if he was the son of God, did God send him only for one group of people? Or was he sent for all of humanity?

If he was truly divine, then his message belongs to everyone, regardless of identity or affiliation.
Imagine Jesus in the modern era—would he remain confined to one land? Or would he travel the world, embracing all with love and peace?

Would he ever claim exclusivity over his message? No, because divine wisdom is meant for all.
Yet, humanity attempts to place ownership over great souls, reducing their universality to labels. In doing so, they distort the very message of love and acceptance that such figures preached.

The Misunderstood Path of Islam

Islam speaks of the Creator—of Allah, who made the entire universe. Yet, some claim that their devotion to Allah means fighting for territorial gains, as if God’s presence is confined to select nations.

If Allah created the world, then did he not create Hindus, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists too? If he crafted the universe, then does he not exist in India, America, and beyond?

Does God reside in mere geographical boundaries, or is he present in every heart?

To seek divinity is to seek within. Not through conquest, but through reflection. Not through exclusion, but through embrace.

A New Path Forward

Knowledge is priceless—it cannot be confined. Religion, at its core, is a form of wisdom. It is meant to be explored, understood, and embodied.

Instead of limiting ourselves to a single doctrine, let us learn from all faiths and uncover the universal truths that connect us.
For true divinity does not reside in labels—it resides in wisdom, compassion, and unity.