The Prodigal Son / Return to God
A wayward soul returns to the divine and is welcomed with joy — the universal theme of spiritual homecoming.
Luke 15:20-24
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.' But the father said, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him... For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.'”
Hosea 14:1-2
“Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take with you words and return to the LORD; say to him, 'Take away all iniquity; accept what is good, and we will pay with bulls the vows of our lips.'”
Quran 39:53
“Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'”
Bhagavad Gita 9:30-31
“Even if the most sinful person worships Me with exclusive devotion, he should be considered righteous, for he has resolved rightly. He quickly becomes a virtuous soul and obtains lasting peace. Declare it boldly: My devotee never perishes.”
Lotus Sutra, Ch. 4
“The parable of the prodigal son: a poor man wanders for decades, not knowing his father is wealthy. When he returns, the father gradually reveals the inheritance. All beings are heirs to Buddhahood but have forgotten their true nature.”