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The secrets and philosophy of religion (Dharma Tatva Ka Darshan Aur Marma): Vangamaya Vol-53

The word “religion” is as vast and deep as the expansion of human life. It cannot be defined within the known dimensions of mind. It cannot be encompassed within the narrow peripheries of the faith and disciplines of any community or school of thought. The ‘religious’ thoughts and ‘faith’ associated with a community are often reflected in specific modes of worshiping, conventional rites and rituals or the specific ways of living….. in a broader sense. Traditions, communal faith, convictions and associated practices may change with the changing circumstances of life in different time periods and in different regions of the world. But, religion by its very origin is eternal and limitless.
The perennial philosophy of religion is based on the knowledge and realization of truth, morality and spirituality. Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya had realized the eternal linkage of religion with the inner self and described the principles and practices of religious philosophy as a systematic science of refinement of sentiments and inherent tendencies of mind. Religious philosophy in his view is the expression of an elevated and broadened attitude and trenchant intellect, which is illuminated by the purity of the divine sentiments of – serene love, compassion, unity, generosity, altruist service, ….etc.
The misinterpretations generated during the dark period of medieval era had consequently provoked the extreme views, like, the Marxist logic of – “religion is a dead man’s dream”, “religion is a hypocrite’s expression of blind faith”, “theism is an illusive state of intoxicated or emotionally excited mind”, or “religion is a tool of emotional exploitation”, etc – which were propagated by some rational thinkers in the later centuries….However, these extremities of “blind faith” and “no faith” have had their days….! By now, the scientifically liberal minds and kind hearts have realized the eccentricities and limitations of these notions. Those, who understand the importance of sentiments and impact of psychology on every act of life, would certainly see the completeness and righteous direction in Acharya Sharma’s view point.
Acharya Sharma had analyzed the deeper aspects of spirituality, psychology and religion in scientific light. His writings were aimed at promoting righteous thinking on these subtle but essential components of human life. The logical arguments, authentic illustrations and experiences, the depth of reasoning and intimacy of inner sentiments reflected in his views have showered the nectar of religion on every rational thinker, researcher and sincere seekers of religion who came in contact with his vivid literature or got an opportunity to experience his spiritually refined company.
His realistic views presented in this volume will appraise us with the true meaning of religion. These will also convince and motivate us to realize that religion is indeed the eternal source of guiding righteous progress in every walk of life. The volume also presents his ideas on refinement of the religious system today and creatively use it for the all round development of the human society in an eco-friendly manner. Acharya Sharma has described mass-education from religious platform as the best mode for ameliorating the status of majority in a society like the Indian. He has also given practical guidance in this regard. The reality of his vision can be seen in the enlightened activities of the Gayatri Pariwar inspired by him.
Scriptures proclaim – “Dharanat Dharma Ityahu, Dharmo Dharyati Prajah”, Meaning – “People in the society which adopts religion through faith and action in every dimension of life always remain protected (from the ‘attack’ of evil tendencies, adversities and anomalies….)”. How is that possible? How could that be accomplished in day-to-day life in present circumstances? Substantial details on these issues are given here.
This volume also highlights how the misdeeds of a few and the ignorance and evasive attitude of many in the Indian society of the medieval era – which is also known as the darkest phase of human history, gave rise to maligning and misinterpretation of the original philosophy of religion. The prejudiced traditions, illusions, superstitions, illogical customs and blind faith seen associated with the religious system in India and in other parts of the world are largely the offshoots of the pernicious effects of the moral decline and the cultural and religious deterioration nurtured and accelerated in the medieval era. How could a society of humans justify the heinous acts of ‘killing’ other livings beings – including humans in the name of “balivaishwa” (religious sacrifice)? Such inhumane acts can by no means be accepted as religious …..
This is indeed unfortunate to note that the abominable practices of above kinds were initiated and propagated by some scholarly but perverted and cruel minds for selfish motives via deliberate misinterpretations of the Vedik scriptures and of the original treatise on Indian philosophy of religion….. In spite of dedicated attempts of great social reformers and saints, the negative effects of the dark era of religious anarchy persist in one form or the other…. The associated customs and rites driven by blind faith on the one hand, and the challenges posed by the cultural pollution and materialistic attitude of the modern society on the other, cannot be eliminated nay diminished without resurrection in scientific light of the original basis and values of religious philosophy.
With the objective of elucidating the true philosophy and relevance of religion in human life, the author focuses here at refinement of the currently popular notions and practices of religion. He emphasizes the need of scientific religion which encourages liberal thinking, morality and arousal of divine sentiments existing in every human being. Wise men and women who care for the piety of character and creative orientation of the power of sentiments would certainly be inspired by his ideas and thought-provoking discussions. This volume should educe the courage in them to come forward and propagate the adoption of righteous religion in the modern society.
The ten fundamental elements and associated five basic principles of religion described in the ancient Indian scriptures have been interpreted and analyzed in different forms by different schools of thoughts over long span of history. These have been propagated as large number of different systems of religious disciplines and practices. Acharya Sharma has cited authentic references from these scriptures and assimilated the essence of different philosophies of religion in his explanations. He identifies the ten signs of the existence of religion in one’s life as – the active presence of truth, prudence, self-restrain, sense of responsibility, discipline, determination for moral elevation, serene love, compassion, courage and co-operating and altruist attitude.
In his views, the adoption of the above ten virtues is the true “dharma dharana” (adoption of religion) in human life. This interpretation is in absolute consonance with the definition “Yatoabhyudaya Nihshreyasa Siddhi Sa Dharmah” of the eternal religion (of humanity) advocated in the Indian cultural philosophy.
Religious principles in essence, encompasses all the basic disciplines and essential virtues which set the basis for overall development in the materialistic, psychological, as well as spiritual domains of life. Religion provides the basis for evolution of humanity up to high realms of divinity….. The secret of success of religion lies in the arousal of morality, integrity of character and piety of sentiments. This cannot be realized without educing serene faith in divinity, which, in Acharya Sharma’s words may be defined as the ultimate state of culmination of virtuous tendencies, prudent talents and refined potentials….
Refinement and enlightenment of people’s faith can be achieved even in present times of “crisis of human values” if religion is brought back in their lives with scientific reasoning and progressive ideology. This is indeed the need of the day….
Today, when religious, political and social systems have lost their original glory and have virtually exploited each other along with the deterioration of the edifice of morality, one wonders whether the refinement and strengthening of one would ruin the other….? The deeper understanding of religion affirms the contrary. Refinement of religious system and resurrection of its original glory would support simultaneous improvement in the other two if it is given due place to guide the prudent and honest development of the latter.
In practical terms, religion can control the selfish autocracies of the political system and give liberal shape to the structure of society on stout grounds of human values. What cannot be achieved by the governmental machinery of law and security, in checking out crimes, can be easily accomplished by inculcating the faith in religions principles in people’s minds and hearts. Because, the latter would keep one’s inner self awaken and naturally prevent his or her indulgence in the sins of criminal activities…..
The nectar of religious sentiments can revive the life of humanity with the vital force of spirituality. This volume convincingly describes that – adoption of religion through heart would naturally transform the tendencies of possession into that of sharing, greed into generosity, passion into compassion, ego and hate into altruist service and love…. Where would then be a place for injustice, exploitation, crime or moral devaluation? Unity, piety, integrity, and enlightened humanity will then be the visible manifestations of the life-deity. The feasibility of this ‘virtual utopia’ are discussed here with practical guidance for each one of us to follow right away.