The differently described parts of the elephant can be put together to help us see the whole elephant?
So I asked gemini if the people who were giving their description only saw from the perspective of their individual religion what is the elephant.
An ultimate religion, as represented by the entire elephant, would not be a single doctrine or belief system. Instead, it would be a comprehensive and unified understanding of existence. It would embrace and integrate the truths found within all individual religions, recognizing each as a valid, though limited, perspective on the same ultimate reality. This ultimate religion wouldn't have a single founder, a sacred text, or a specific set of rituals, as these are the "parts" described by the "blind men."
This ultimate religion would be centered on the core, universal experiences shared across humanity. It would acknowledge the divine spark present in all things, as described in different ways by various faiths. It would understand that love, compassion, and interconnectedness are not just moral principles but fundamental aspects of reality. This faith would not seek to convert or proselytize but would instead encourage individuals to explore their own spiritual path while recognizing and respecting the paths of others. It would see all spiritual journeys as roads leading to the same destination, the complete "elephant."
The rituals and practices of this ultimate religion would be a synthesis of global traditions. Meditation from Buddhism and Hinduism, prayer from Christianity and Islam, and shamanic rituals from indigenous cultures would all be seen as different methods for connecting with the divine. The goal of these practices would be not to gain favor with a specific deity but to cultivate inner peace, wisdom, and a profound sense of unity with all creation. The focus would be on direct experience rather than on dogma.
The ultimate religion would approach the problem of suffering with a holistic view. It would combine the Buddhist understanding of suffering as rooted in desire, the Christian concept of redemptive suffering, and the Hindu idea of karma. It would teach that suffering is not an end but a catalyst for growth and spiritual evolution. By integrating these perspectives, it would provide a more complete and compassionate framework for navigating life's challenges, encouraging resilience and empathy.
Ultimately, the elephant is not a single, tangible religion but an ideal state of complete spiritual wisdom. The "ultimate religion" is the process of putting the pieces together, a constant journey of learning and growth. It's the recognition that no one person or faith has the final answer, and that the only way to truly "see" the elephant is by humbly listening to and learning from every perspective, creating a collective wisdom that transcends any single viewpoint.