Long ago, a king wanted to know which religion is the greatest. So, he immediately invited all scholars and all religious heads of that region to his kingdom. Accepting the king's invitation, all of them came to the courtroom and the king ordered them to discuss about their respective religions. He also said that after listening to the discussion, he himself would decide which one is the greatest of all religions. He ordered that everyone must then follow that particular religion only. Each and every head started saying about the greatness of their respective religions. At the very beginning, the discussion went on in a disciplined fashion. Gradually, it became a debate and later as a fight. Each and everyone fought in such a rough and confused manner that the king could not comprehend anything. They debated that their respective religion is superior. After many days passed by, the king decided that he himself would decide which religion is greatest. Learning about this, Lord Datta came to the king in the guise of an old man. He asked the king, "Which religion is superior?" Both of them reached a river's bank. There, the old man said, "On the opposite bank, there is a tree. Under that tree, I shall teach you want you want. Prior to that, let us prepare a boat to cross the river. The king saw few boats and arranged for one. However, the old man rejected the boat saying that it had termites. The king arranged for one more and the old man rejected this one too saying that the driver of the boat is very pale and is unfit to drive. Then came the third boat. This was also rejected by him as he said that the driver is too young to drive and hence that they cannot place trust in him. The king is now clueless. Finally, he arranged for a raft. The old man became angry saying, "O king! Why do you insult me by bringing this old raft?" With this reply, even the king became furious. He said, "I am a king. Why should I listen your words? This is not possible. But, all the boats will make you reach the other bank. Listen to my words and come with me in this raft." They finally crossed the river and sat under the tree. The old man then said, "O king, I think you might have understood which religion is supreme." Saying so, he disappeared.
According to this story, just like we reach the other bank with any boat, similarly we can cross the river called "samaara" by following any religion and attain God. So, all the religions preach the same. It is enough if we follow the right Guru. We can certainly reach our goal. You read a small portion of Ramayana today and leave it. Then, you start Shiva Purana and leave it again. You go from one temple to another and one Guru to another. When will you reach your goal if you follow so many ways? You must follow at least one. Any boat can make you cross the river. Reaching the other bank is the highest priority. The color of the boat or the driver's height does not matter. It can be any religion. The king had unnecessarily brought fights amongst all of them. The religion does not matter. But, we must stick to one religion and follow one path of spirituality. This is how we must make our life easy. Instead, it is wrong to fight in the name of religion, Guru, mantra etc. It is mere waste of time. There are several examples in this regard. By thinking in this manner, you waste a lot of time. Secondly, we must observe one more thing - with the fights amongst religions, it turns into violence.
Jai Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!