Friday 2 December 2016

Hindu View of Life -8

From a deep and intimate study of the history of our nation both from experience and academic sources Shri Guruji realized that the real strength of Bharat lay in its spirituality and Dharma. The Hindu society could overcome all the vicissitudes of history by relying on these factors. Her history was made, her socio-economic evolution was shaped, her value system was formulated by Dharma & spirituality. This shraddha made her capable of climbing the highest reaches of all-round achievements and success. Even in periods of decline and downfall it was these inner reserves of strength that helped India to survive and also to regain the lost glory.

Shri Guruji also realized that this was possible only because India had produced an unbroken succession of saints and sages, who were known in our tradition as the 'Rishis'. Rishis were people, wholly devoted to the acquisition and spread of knowledge and its propagation in the society. They were the custodians of the norms, values and virtues of our social and collective life. They coveted neither power nor wealth. They scrupulously remained away from these two. That enhanced their moral authority and hold on the society. Even the kings and rulers paid respect to them and took instructions from them, not only in spiritual matters but also in mundane affairs, because everything had to be governed by Dharma. Being totally unselfish, the Rishis could be trusted to give right guidance at the right time.

Shri Guruji in his speeches has often pointed out, how right from the time of Rama and Krishna, this tradition was established in our country.  Later on Buddha and Sankara, Vidyaranya and Samartha Ramadas carried on this unique tradition. In recent times again it was persons like Swami Vivekananda and Shri Aurobindo, who were modern Rishis in the true sense of the term, that gave guidance to the nation. Whenever there was internal decay of dharma within the society these Rishis came forward to re-interpret Sanatana dharma and propagated suitable value systems and patterns of bahaviour keeping the living touch with the roots of our culture intact. Whenever the society was faced with foreign aggression or overpowered by unhealthy alien cultural influences, it was again the Rishis who made necessary adjustments possible while sticking firmly to spirituality and Dharma.

The Rishi tradition was the backbone of this ancient society. It had to be maintained. It was from this point of view Shri Guruji looked upon the Sangh. The main responsibility of the Sangh was to create an organized strength of the Hindu society on the basis of Dharma. It is indeed a divine work. It will invigorate every aspect of national life without getting involved or identifying with, any one of them. Its capacity to inspire and guide is strictly moral. Shri Guruji visualized the Sangh to play the vital role, which the Rishi tradition had played in our society and see that the nation does not deviate from the path of Dharma. For this, it has to be above party politics and politics of power, above the corrupting influence of wealth, name and fame. Swayamsevaks as members of the society and nationals of this country have the right and duty to involve themselves and play their role in all the areas of their life and work. But Sangh as such would remain away and aloof from partisan involvements of any kind, only guiding by its moral strength invoking the national interests. This is a delicate and difficult job, which has to be undertaken with great care and sagacity. Pit-falls are many and are to be avoided. By whatever name it is called, this unique Rishi tradition alone is the guarantee for India to be faithful to the national soul and carry its mission forward under all circumstances.  

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