Religion cause of violence?

Akbar,a King for all

In a world plagued by hatred,war and violence, where man is killing one another in the name of race and religion, a story about a man who lived on this earth in the 16thcentury captured my attention as it brings some comfort and hope to our hearts, filled with pessimism and despair.

The story below,taken from The Moghul Emperors by Sri Chinmoy illustrates the magnanimity of this great Moghul Emperor of India, who although a Muslim, had great respect and love for his subjects of different faiths.

“In the course of his rule Akbar came to hear about Mirabai, a great devotee of Lord Krishna. The bhajans that she sang became known throughout the length and breadth of India. Akbar decided to go and see her for himself.

His advisers discouraged him from going to visit Mirabai saying “Her husband,Prince Bhoja Raj, had always been a worst enemy of your rule. If Your Highness go to see Mirabai,you would be risking your life as well as that of Mirabai”.

But Akbar was determined to go. He said, "I will not go as the Emperor with my army. I will go in disguise."

So he and his court musician, Tansen, dressed themselves in ochre robes like wandering “sannyasins”. In this disguise, they approached the temple where Mirabai was worshipping. In the temple, devotees were singing and dancing. Right in the centre was Mirabai, singing most soulfully.

Akbar and Tansen were deeply moved by Mirabai's beautiful voice beautiful voice and her soulful prayers to God.

To show his gratitude, Akbar placed a diamond necklace at the feet of Mirabai's little statue of Lord Krishna. Those who were present were amazed at the mendicant's gesture. They wondered if perhaps somebody quite rich had come in the form of a mendicant. After Akbar had made his offering, he and Tansen quietly slipped away.”

Akbar was least perturbed that he was honoring Mirabai and her Lord Krishna.To him talent has to be praised whoever possessed it.

Although he was a Muslim, he liked the Hindu spirituality and culture immensely. At his court, he retained all kinds of talented and extraordinary people from various religions. Akbar always appreciated good qualities in others.

He used to confer with representatives of all the major religions of his vast empire. He even combined the highest truths of each to form a new "religion" suitable for all, named the Divine Faith.

But this proved to be too great a task for even Akbar the Great, and like many great men; he too died without realizing his fond dream.
Akbar’s ways may be outdated but the principles behind his actions remain relevant till today.

The world today is in dire need for leaders like him, who possess a passion for the humanity, regardless of race or creed.

Will mankind ever get leaders like Akbar the Great? We do not see one now.Until we are bestowed with leaders with such wisdom, the human race will continue to experience the horror of war and violence.

Dr.Chris Anthony