This quote suggests that understanding and appreciating one’s own faith can pave the way for respecting and appreciating other faiths. The speaker, having been brought up in the Hindu tradition, has found that his deep understanding of his own religion has enabled him to see the value and truth in other religions, such as Christianity and Islam. This is an embodiment of the Hindu philosophy of ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhava’, which means that all Dharmas (truths) are equal to or harmonious with each other.
This perspective can be extremely valuable in today’s world where religious differences often lead to conflict and misunderstanding. By genuinely understanding and respecting our own religious or philosophical beliefs, we can be more open to understanding the beliefs of others, even if they are different from our own. This does not mean we have to agree with everything in other religions, but we can still respect them as valid paths towards truth and goodness.
In terms of personal development, this idea encourages us to explore our own beliefs deeply and sincerely. This exploration not only helps us understand ourselves better, but also makes us more open-minded and tolerant towards others who hold different beliefs. It promotes a sense of unity in diversity, fostering mutual respect and understanding among people of different faiths. It also encourages us to see the common threads of love, compassion, and truth that run through all great religious and philosophical traditions.