Question 22: It is confusing — should one worship the Buddha, Christ, or God?  

• When Shakyamuni Buddha spread his teachings, the Brahmins considered them heterodox
• When Laozi transmitted the Dao, the people regarded it as sorcery and deception
• When Jesus Christ taught, the Israelites called it a false path

When asked about God, many Buddhists remain skeptical. Philosophical truth cannot be proven like scientific facts; it can only be suggested and awakened within the mind. This is the profound Dao of the heart.

Two of humanity’s oldest and greatest civilizations, India and China, have long believed in a Supreme Being governing all things.

The Theosophical Society studies the hidden laws of Heaven and Earth, the celestial realms, and the powers latent within humans.

Accordingly, a Theosophist respects all religions, honors all spiritual teachers, and worships all Perfect Beings — Deities, Saints, Immortals and Buddhas — knowing that all religions originate from a single source, governed by a single law, the law of the Creator.

On Earth, the diversity of religions arises because of the diversity of nations, peoples, skin colors, and levels of spiritual development.

In Europe, most people follow Christianity, calling Jesus the Savior; in Asia, most people follow Buddhism, calling Shakyamuni the Enlightened One.

These two religions have some of the largest followings in the world. Yet few understand that both of these Teachers — and all others — derive from the same original source.

Obeying the Decree of the Jade Emperor in Heaven, each Teacher descends to a specific place and time to guide humanity.

Jesus appeared among the peoples of Europe, teaching so that humankind could progress according to the laws of Heaven. His presence in proximity to Europe led many Europeans to follow his teachings.

Shakyamuni Buddha appeared in Asia, incarnated as an Indian named Cakyamuni (Thích Ca Mâu Ni), teaching the Dao. His presence in India led many Asians to follow his path.

Once each Teacher completed their earthly mission, they returned to their heavenly station, yet continued to oversee the spiritual evolution of humankind.

In Heaven, the two Teachers would meet, but never to dispute “my Dao” versus “your Dao.” Thus, those who seek true knowledge must expand their understanding, seeking the source of their origin.

Across the world, all peoples and religions believe in a Supreme, Absolute, transcendent Principle, beyond human conception. Whether humans recognize it or not, the universe and all beings are governed by the laws of Heaven.

The One who governs is known by many names: the Supreme Being, the Enlightened One, God, Jehovah, Allah — according to the understanding and language of each nation.