Sanatan Jyoti - Bharat Sevashram Sangha

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ETERNAL LIGHT ♦ SANATAN JYOTI ♦ 2013However, the images and ideals of Hinduism are completely different.According to the ancient sage Manu, there are ten characteristics of theuniversal religion: 1. Contentment, 2.Forgiveness, 3.Self-restraint, 4. Non-Stealing, 5. Purity, 6. Control of Senses, 7. Discrimination between right andwrong, as also between the real and the unreal, 8. Spiritual knowledge, 9.Truthfulness and 10. Absence of anger. Is there a place for narrow sectarianreasoning in this broad-minded ideal of religion? In other words, is there anydoubt that these ideals of religion are for everybody, for everywhere, and foreternity. Hindu religion of India is the symbol of the religion of mankind. It wasthe only religion before the establishment of other religions.This religion was the only religion followed by entire humanity. The originalsource of this religion is Veda. On that count, it is an eternal and pricelesstreasure for humanity.India, created by God as a land exquisitely graced by beautiful seasons, isthe center of earliest flowering of human civilization. That is why we note thathumans with highest knowledge, intellect, and talent are born in India toachieve the greatness. That is why sages like Vyas, Bashishtha, Manu,Gautam, Sankhya, Parashara, Kapil, Kanad, Atri, Bharadwaj, Yagyabalka,Swetaketu, Agastya, and Vishwamitra were born here, as did prophets like SriRam, Sri Krishna, Buddha, Shankaracharya, Mahavira, Ramanuja, Madhava,and Sri Chaitanya. The trend that they established is still continuing. India isstill the land of choice for sages and prophets. India adorned by its beautifulrivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, Kaveri, Godavari,Krishna, etc.; lofty mountains like Girimar, Bindhya, and Himalaya, and deep,green forests with mild weather; is most suitable for spiritual realization. Toremind us this aspect, an Indian poet wrote, “Dhana Dhanye Pushpeh BhoraAmader Ei Basundhara …”We note that in these days of decline of national life, there is temporary lossof collective memory and we are straying from ideals. Sometimes, the general38BHARAT SEVASHRAM SANGHA OF NORTH AMERICA, CHICAGO
ETERNAL LIGHT ♦ SANATAN JYOTI ♦ 2013tolerance of other opinions by Arya Hindus goes beyond limits. It isdangerous to religion and society. This is reason of hardship for Hindus. Inancient times, sages and monks led the societal, political and personal lives.The famed Ramarajya remained memorable through ages because it was ledby the great sage Bashishtha. Maurya dynasty was established under theguidance of the penniless Brahmin Kautilya who helped Chandragupta toenormous wealth and accomplishments. Shivaji, the king of Maharashtra,followed instructions of Swami Ramadasa to lead his life and kingdom. Sincemonarchs and public rejected the leaderships of sages and monks with purehearts and minds, India has become cursed by sadness. The black cloud ofoverall decline is still covering Indian sky. The society is being punished bythe all-consuming, unethical politics. Mankind, distracted by the degraded,wanton animal power, is standing by the blood-red ocean of destruction.Deliberating on the need of religion for nation building, Mahatma Gandhi, thegreat political leader of India said, “Politics without religious basis is adangerous thing.” Its impact on the nation is very grave. “We must spiritualizepolitics and economics.” He used to say. This statement is equally true forour personal and societal life. From the time of Raja Rammohan Roy untilnow, every great man who began movements for public welfare pointed hisfinger to the founder Swami Pranavananda of <strong>Bharat</strong> Sevasram <strong>Sangha</strong>. Heannounced in his divine voice, “This epoch is the epoch of holy awakenings,of holy union, and equality; this epoch is about holy salvation.” India will wakeup and stand up again. Based on ancient tradition of knowledge, it will take itshallowed seat, blessed by God. As he said “Religion is renunciation, control,truth, and chastity.”Today, I offer my heartfelt prayer to the lotus feet of Jagateshwar Thakur. LetHim clarify our outlook; make our intellect pure and our mind self-content. LetHim lead our existence and actions toward him. Let us be capable andsuccessful in fulfilling the duties assigned to us with perfection, eternalBHARAT SEVASHRAM SANGHA OF NORTH AMERICA, CHICAGO 39
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Sanatan Jyoti - Bharat Sevashram Sangha

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