Anupam- The Dreamer

Let’s try to decode the mathematics of various religions by using simple class V mathematics. A disclaimer before I start- I claim no expertise in this subject area, but here we discuss the basic commonsensical things that everyone already knows and can easily understand.

LCM stands for Least Common Multiple and it is the smallest number that is a multiple of two or more given numbers. For example, for numbers 4 and 7, it is 28. For, 2 and 4, it is 4.

HCF stands for the Highest Common Factor and it is the largest number that divides two or more numbers in a whole number (i.e. without a fraction). For example, for numbers 6 and 15, it is 3. For, 6 and 36, it is 6.

Now, apply this on the major religions that exist today in our part of the world- The Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism. Let’s also include some newer categories to provide inclusivity- The Atheists, the Agnostics, the Spiritualists.

All these religions preach some basic minimum values to its practitioners (and even to non-practitioners). And what are those values? They are- belief in one’s God, and practicing rituals for purification of heart, mind, body and soul. They teach compassion to the poor, needy, downtrodden, to the weaker sections of the society like children, women, elderly etc. They teach service to others, in whatever capacity one can through community service, charity, helping others. They teach self-introspection, penance and self-development to become better version of ourselves. They teach the Golden Rule “Do unto others, what you expect others to do to you”. They teach love, care, humility, sacrifice, etc. etc. Even the non-believers like atheists and agnostics cannot refrain themselves to preach these values.

The point here is not who teaches more values and who less. The point here is that the Highest Common Factor (HCF) that comes out as a crux (or the basic common thing) of all such religions is that they preach the values of humanity to all the people. It is the “Highest” common thing which unites all the religions of the world, because higher than these values, a religion is just their “own way” (or a set of rituals) to reach their own God. Thus, humanity is the HCF of all religions. Beyond this, it is all customs and rituals etc. etc. Every human being, practicing any of the above mentioned religions, ascribes to these human values. And those who don’t even ascribe to the basic values of humanity are basically animals clothed in human skin, because the animal world is governed by the laws of nature and not the values of humanity. As a corollary, the terrorists and the criminals, whose only objective is to spread hatred, bloodshed, violence etc. come in the latter category.  There is no religion which advocates against the basic human values. There may be differing interpretations of different sects within a religion, but by and large, the majority believe in the human values.

Now, we come to the LCM part. What do all the common religions advocate in the “least”, which is also “common” among them, and which can be termed as a “multiple” (meaning this is common aim of all religions). These are the values of peaceful co-existence, harmony and brotherhood among all people. Despite knowing that the people from other religions pray to different Gods, practise different daily rituals, chant different hymns, dress differently and eat different foods, all the religions aspire to create a peaceful society, where there is a place for every human from every religion. All the religions advocate their people to work for their motherland, despite their differences and living in harmony with everyone. Such spirit of unity and love for own motherland was noticed during the times of India’s struggle for independence, when people from every religion of the society contributed towards the freedom movement. Even after independence, we have aspired to build a harmonious society, where there is a place for not only every religion but also every individual. And even, almost of the religions advocate helping people from outside the religion in times of need, while going beyond their call of duty, a spirit which is seen during the times of natural calamities like floods, landslides, earthquakes or during times of dastardly terrorist attacks and acts of violence. The LCM of all religions is to create a society where the aspirations of every person finds resonance, where every person can reach his/her maximum potential, where there is place for everyone irrespective of their personal religious beliefs.

We must try to understand such basic things underpinning all religions and counter the narratives flowing around which are contrary to the basic tenets of all religions. What is a religion afterall? Something that leads to progress of an individual and the progress of a society as whole! Rest everything, is a façade to achieve the ulterior motives of some evil-minded individuals. And we must make NO mistake in identifying such individuals as a part of human society.

And I remember when I was in 8^th class, what my school principal of DAV Public School told to our school children in the morning assembly under a hot sunny day- “When someone asks your religion, you must say it is- HUMANITY”! Period.