24 June 2014 - QA 17

Our friends in Europe are trying to get rid of religion entirely. What’s your view on that?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Religion has its own place, but I feel that spirituality is something that rises above religion and unites people’s hearts and minds. religion has got spiritual values in it. This is what needs to be highlighted much more than the practices that the different sects practice.
I would say we need to have unity in diversity, at the same time, enrich the diversity because that is the beauty of our planet. We are so different, and there are different rituals and different practices, none of it should be lost. Everything has its own value.
There is a unifying force in all religions, and that is of the values of compassion, love, and togetherness. These values need to take the front seat.