Christ and Krishna

Throughout the pandemic, RABBI RAMI has been posting his responses to questions stemming from people’s concerns with COVID-19 in special editions of Roadside Assistance for the Spiritual Traveler at spiritualityhealth.com.

- RABBI RAMI

I recently visited a friend’s home, where a picture of Christ sat next to a picture of Krishna on a makeshift altar. I was shocked and said she cannot serve two masters. She was insulted, and my visit ended abruptly. Admittedly, I was rude. What should I do?

Rabbi Rami: You should visit my home. Not only will you find Christ and Krishna, but Buddha, Ganesha, Kwan Yin, Avalokitesvara, Mary, Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna, Ma Sarada, and Vivekananda as well. But I serve no master, only Truth: Alles iz Gott (all is God in Yiddish). When I know all is God, I see all beings as sacred and the mystics of all religions pointing toward Truth. As for your friend, I would email her, apologize for being rude, and ask her to help you understand what she means when she honors both Christ and Krishna.

I say the same Christian grace before every meal. I think God is pleased I do it, but I’m not so sure my doing it is very spiritual— instead of a matter of rote and obligation. How can I make it more meaningful and from the heart?