We need to rediscover & occupy religion.
India had Sanatan Dharma
which was composed of a host of literature that encompassed all aspects of
life. As Jainism and Buddhism developed the literature gained in volume. The
addition was not spontaneous but a result of extensive debates in society. Only
when all stakeholders were satisfied that any view was accepted and
incorporated.
Those debating the issues had to be not only learned but also
people of strong character who followed the rules of Panini Yoga Sutras to the
hilt. Even a shadow of doubt on character led to the debater's downfall and this
often led to ostracisation if the cause was serious in nature.
The literature
was taught by diverse teachers in the wide network of schools, colleges and
universities that existed all across the country. There was no central
authority that could dictate things or corrupt the process. The diversity of
India prevented such a takeover and consequent corruption.
Students were taught
logic and encouraged to question everything and teachers needed to be capable
of answering queries. Educational institutions were not merely intellectual but
also taught morals and ensured good character. Students reflected what they
were taught and were respected as products of a system. Spirituality and
respect for nature was at the core of education.
Even kings and soldiers did
not escape this education that was reflected in governance and rules laid down
for battles and valour. Even those who were not educated did not feel left out
as the epics and tales incorporated the education. Villagers discussed them
every evening and imbibed the values in them.
But what do we observe today?
Blind obedience to shady characters. Where is that written in the scriptures?
Where is the outcry in case of deviations? Where is the ostracisation? This has
resulted in a toxic religion where blind belief is the cornerstone of devotion.
The case is the same for all religions. Muslim madrassas and Christian
institutions reflect an abysmal fall in values.
Is it for courts to ensure
justice? Society leaders seem to be either sleeping or too scared to speak out.
Of late has entered political correctness where there is selective outrage
depending on the religion of the victim or political leadership in the state.
Such protests have no value as there is no sincerity behind it but an attempt
to bring down all religions.
The word religion in India translates to Dharma or
adherence to natural laws and values. It does not limit itself to religious
matters but secular issues as well resulting in overall character and scrutiny
of issues. If the system was strong many wrongs could have been detected early
on and prevented. If Dharma in India was strong then crass materialism and
destruction of nature and health would not have materialised. A lot of
suffering could have been avoided.
It is necessary to occupy religion and free
it from vested interests. Strong people must once again pull themselves up from
the morass and enter the field to recover the scriptures, arrange for their
right interpretation according to today's needs and their propagation. Nobody
should encourage destructive tendencies within themselves and try to reform. A
very tough task for as a nation we have lost our strength, health and mental
acumen.
We lack Gandhi and Vinobha who were leaders with a religious background
and therefore earned the respect of masses. Today leaders are despised and stay
in power because of money and muscle power. Our professionals are people
without character and decency and their thought process is limited to
protecting their turf, purse and livelihood. They are worse than animals.
People are proud to call themselves scientists but they have failed to question
their science and done incalculable harm to society.
We need to rediscover
religion and once again arm society with character and values, with a
questioning mind that has an altruistic motive. Let us move from toxic religion
and poisonous science towards a truly spiritual future. Human beings, the
animal world, the vegetable world, the environment and the spiritual world
frantically needs such an approach and worldview.
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