In 15th century Bengal there was tremendous social and religious ferment, and Haridasa Thakura's appearance during this period, as well as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's 35 years later, had a tremendous impact upon the clashing religious forces. Many Muslims were infuriated that Harid�sawould commit apostasy by converting to Hinduism. Likewise, the conservative Hindus were equally outraged that a Muslim dared to cross the lines of hereditary caste and social custom to practice "their" religion.  The operable principle behind the activities of Srila Haridasa Thakura was jaiva-dharma (the essential function of the soul). This revolutionary and non-sectarian philosophy spoke of unifying principles, true of all religions: to render service to God in the mode of a servant and thus to develop love of God. The means to achieve that love: chanting the divine name of God. Whether one chanted Allah, Krishna, Rama, Jehovah, or any other authorized name enunciated in the great religious traditions, it didn't matter. One, thus situated, was beyond all bodily designations: he or she was not Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Buddhist; not Indian, Turk, European, American or any other nationality; not black, brown, yellow or white; not male or female; not identified with any caste, creed, political party or family. Rather, identity is firmly established as the living being, situated in his/her original, spiritual, constitutional position, an eternal soul, the loving servant of the Supreme Lord.