A satsangi youth asked Swamishri a few questions:

Q: Why do religions quarrel?

A: Religions never advocate quarrels. It is man's nature to quarrel because of his greed, ego and pride. No one is 'Brahmarup' (perfect) or 'Ekantik'. People are on that path, but because they have not realized the goal conflicts arise due to misunderstandings. But religion is not the cause of conflict. Look at the founders of the various religions. Study their messages. They have humbly served society. But man has not grasped this and quarrels. There is no religion which supports evil actions.

Q: If man's swabhavs (base instincts) are to blame, isn't it a religion's duty to improve this behavior?'

A: It is. But swabhavs do not change overnight. One who is an aspirant, contemplative, may be graced and his swabhavs removed quickly. For example, Valiyo, the looter, was transformed into Valmiki, the composer of the Ramayan. Joban Pagi of Vartal was transformed overnight by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. But generally, one has to live according to God's tenets for one's nature to change. One has to obey His commands as well as those of His true Sadhu. It takes time. Essentially, the fault lies not in religion but in mankind not observing religion.