There are some differences in how to reach the ultimate stage of God realization. Three main paths are suggested: devotion, selfless action and wisdom. In addition, some yogic and meditative practices also can help in attaining liberation – a state of everlasting peace and bliss. Yet, what is common in all the approaches is the stress on self realization as the ultimate source of happiness and indifference towards the challenges of personal and social life.

The popular religion is different. It is polytheistic and it accepts both this world and the other world. This popular religion, you may call it the puranic Hinduism, generates greater hope of having a good life in this world (bhukti) and the other world (mukti). It tells you that the gods and goddesses you believe in (and the saints you follow) would solve both your worldly and other worldly problems. To be a true worshiper of Shakti, Shiva and Ram is to believe that they can cure all ills and they will. It is worth mentioning that towards the end of his life Gandhi too had gradually withdrawn from active politics and concentrated on naturopathy and religion. He claimed that recitation of the name of Ram can cure everything. Recitation of the name of Ram is a great remedy for all physical, social and spiritual difficulties. When everything fails Ram Naam (name of Ram) succeeds (Gandhi, 1949). Religion gave him a meaning which he had lost in politics.