Humanity -IV; Pujya Gurudev

A Universal Religion for Humanity 

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

People with inferior mindset enjoy consuming more and more resources for personal comforts and pleasures. Kind-hearted and benevolent ones, on the contrary, apply their belongings and potentials for the good of others and feel happy and contended when they see that their resources are being used for universal good rather than for personal gratification. What is dignified for a human being is only that his/her thoughts and actions get dedicated towards enhancing the well-being of larger and larger sections of the society. 

What is best for a society is that most of its people find honour in being engaged in collective welfare activities. The greatness of a country, religion, society or culture can be measured only based upon the extent to which the noble quality of altruistic attitude or selflessness is present in its people and the enthusiasm its people have in performing benevolent deeds. 

In the principles of socialism and communism there is a harsh criticism of individual selfishness, and provisions are made for imposing strict or harsh checks on the same. The principles of spirituality are very similar as far as materialistic usage is concerned. Hoarding is treated as a crime in socialism, and ego and selfishness and the tendency of accumulating wealth for selfish means have been termed as sins in spirituality. 

We may surely earn with hundred hands, but we must also have the benvolent urge to distribute the same with thousand hands. As strong is one’s tendency to share the sufferings of others and to distribute personal happiness and gains among others, to that extent the individual can be termed spiritual. If the sentiment of divine devotion and worship evolves and develops into magnanimity and altruism, then it should be understood that the little sapling (of spirituality) that was planted has grown well and borne fruits, and has been successful in establishing its meaningful existence. 

Patriotism and nationalism are taught as high ideals. People are encouraged to display their valour and courage for the security of the nation by joining defence services. According to the principles of socialism an individual is asked to work hard for the benefit of society, and also to maintain his standard of living at par with that of the common man. Simple living and high thinking define nobility. Government by imposing taxes compels one to return the excess earned for public welfare. People are inspired in religious sacraments to donate for good causes and earn virtues by serving others. All this is meant to control self-centeredness and to awaken kindness and altruism. Humane sentiments, compassion, an intuitive interconnectedness and selflessness are the foundational elements of true religion. Dignity of man and society, and peace and happiness are also nurtured by these virtues. Herein the basic teachings of all religions coalesce. This will be the basis of a universal religion for humanity.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma