Chapter V.
Basic Belief
For centuries, the Eternal Universal
Religion (Sanathana Dharma) had to
meet determined opposition from Islam. Political subjection to Muslim dynasties
added to the problems.
The cry “Allaho Akbar” rose to the skies and challenged the very existence of Indian culture, which had been fostered for ages by seers. No other nation suffered as long and deep from such fear. But the eternally fresh and vital dharma of this land stood the test, and even today, the Eternal Religion is as potent and valid as ever. It is ready to meet any challenge from any new quarter.
From the signs of the times, it is evident that this culture is today dominant and powerful; why, it is prepared even to march forward and expand its area of constructive influence. Expansion is the sign of “life”, isn’t it?
This day, the principles and practices laid down in Indian (Bharathiya) culture and the attitudes and feelings enshrined in it are not lying low within the boundaries of this subcontinent. Whether we like it or not, they cross over to other lands and establish themselves there. The main ideas, the essential outlooks penetrate the literature of those peoples and permeate their thought processes. In some lands, among some peoples, they have even won dominant roles, with no opposition. For, India (Bharath) is offering an invaluable body of spiritual wisdom as its contribution to the peace and prosperity of the world. This contribution is more elevating than that of any other country. It is more necessary, more basic, and more precious than what any other nation can give.
This fact is becoming clearer to all mankind. The ancients of this land were not averse to examining other problems, too. They tried, like other peoples, to unravel the mysteries of external nature. Even in this field, through the exercise of sharp intellect of these ancients, this amazing nation achieved results that are beyond the fondest dreams of people in other countries.
Never-changing supreme Reality the supreme end of education, the highest purpose of instruction, is to make one aware of the “universal immanent Impersonal”. This truth is loudly proclaimed in the Vedas. The seers and sages of India courageously entered upon this adventure. The ever-changing aspects of nature, the appearance and disappearance of its working, may be a fine subject for study.
But the ancients of India proclaimed that the science of the “transcendent Principle” that permeates the universe, of the unchanging Eternal, of the embodiment of everlasting, ever-full bliss (ananda), of the residence of unaffected undiminished peace, of the ultimate refuge for all time of the individual (jivi) — that science is the highest knowledge that one must gain.
The knowledge of the principles governing objective nature can at best provide one with food and clothing. It teaches ways and means of gaining them and leads to exploitation of the weak by the strong. If the people of India had bent their energies to discovering the secrets of the world, they could easily have acquired mastery. But, very soon, the people of India (Bharath) recognized that this search was secondary and that the prime position should be assigned to the spiritual.
Many in foreign lands believed that Indians were more politically minded, an inference that was misleading. They felt that only a small fraction of Indians were spiritually oriented. But India always insisted that a spiritually directed way of life was the first and foremost duty of every Indian. Whenever the chance offered itself, after discharging this duty, Indians felt that they should collect and confirm the spiritual potency that they had. This was exactly what happened in the past.
In those days, national integration meant the concentration and commingling of all the spiritual forces and urges that were scattered among seekers all over the land. In India, the word “nation” meant the grouping together of hearts that beat time to the same song and that responded by similar vibration to the same spiritual call. The basic truths that this faith expounded were as broad as the sky, as eternal as creation. Those truths were described in many subtle ways and commented upon very closely and deeply. But, as a result of the very breadth of the vision that discovered them and laid them down, it was inevitable that many faiths emanated on the basis of the beliefs they encouraged.
Essence
There are no expressions available for today’s post in addition to what Swami has written.
Just quoting few important aspects covered by Swami in today’s portion, below
“No other nation (other than Bharath) suffered as long and deep from such fear. But the eternally fresh and vital dharma of this land stood the test, and even today, the Eternal Religion is as potent and valid as ever.”
“India (Bharath) is offering an invaluable body of spiritual wisdom as its contribution to the peace and prosperity of the world. This contribution is more elevating than that of any other country. It is more necessary, more basic, and more precious than what any other nation can give.”
“Never-changing supreme Reality the supreme end of education, the highest purpose of instruction, is to make one aware of the “universal immanent Impersonal”. This truth is loudly proclaimed in the Vedas.”
“The knowledge of the principles governing objective nature can at best provide one with food and clothing.”
“If the people of India had bent their energies to discovering the secrets of the world, they could easily have acquired mastery. But, very soon, the people of India (Bharath) recognized that this search was secondary and that the prime position should be assigned to the spiritual”.
“India always insisted that a spiritually directed way of life was the first and foremost duty of every Indian.”
“In India, the word “nation” meant the grouping together of hearts that beat time to the same song and that responded by similar vibration to the same spiritual call. The basic truths that this faith expounded were as broad as the sky, as eternal as creation.”
Love.
