Q.4. What is universal religion? Discuss its major elements.

Universal religion is a concept that refers to a faith system or spiritual philosophy that transcends cultural, ethnic, and geographical boundaries, aspiring to be inclusive and applicable to all people. It seeks to offer spiritual guidance, moral principles, and a sense of community to adherents worldwide, emphasizing the universal principles of most religions and accepting others in an inclusive manner.

The major elements of a universal religion typically include:

• Belief in Divine Power: A universal religion often includes belief in a supreme power or divine force that is beyond human understanding and is the source of all existence.
• Love and Compassion: These are central tenets, promoting kindness and empathy towards all beings.
• Forgiveness: Encouraging individuals to let go of grudges and to reconcile with others.
• Honesty and Integrity: Upholding truthfulness and moral uprightness in all actions.
• Dedication and Service: Commitment to serving others and contributing to the welfare of the community.
• Justice and Fairness: Ensuring that all actions and decisions are made with equity and impartiality.

These elements are not exclusive to any one tradition but are found in various forms across many different religions. The idea of a universal religion is closely related to the concept of perennial philosophy, which suggests that all world religions share a single, metaphysical truth from which all esoteric and exoteric knowledge and doctrine has grown.