A CLEAR PICTURE OF THE 4 LEGS OF TRUE RELIGION

Human life is bound by inner duties and external responsibilities. In order that human greatness proliferates in both these areas culture and civilizations have come into being which lay down the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of thinking and character carving. Culture is internal, Civility is external, Spirituality is internal and Ethics is external. Spiritual aims are attained via its philosophy and a disciplined character helps in adherence of ethics. The peripheries of all religious precepts that influence human glory in a big way are limited to these 2 aspects. It has already been said that the inner core of religion is spirituality and its outer shell is wholesome social behavior laced with ethical activities. These are the 4 pillars of religion. If anyone requires more clarity on these the following paragraphs can do the needful. For more scientific e-books visit: http://www.shriramsharma.com/ and http://www.awgp.org/ 1) SPIRITUALITY: True spirituality exists where the psyche oozes with sacred beliefs, faiths, aspirations, sentiments, zest and habits. The fount or root source of man’s personality and character lies here. It is that inspiration which gives direction to the mind’s thinking process. If prejudices exist they result in imaginations, arguments and logical proof. These in turn help the intellect to take informed decisions. The brain obeys commands emanating from the deep recesses of our psyche. It finds ways of fulfilling that which is pleasurable, it finds solutions for various problems and thus commands the body to act as per the directions of the inner psyche. In a nutshell we can say that this inner designing of the psyche decides man’s past history, endeavors of the present and destiny of future times. This designing helps us measure man’s inner stature. It is as a reaction of this area that other individuals approach us as foes or friends. This is the focal point that decides the direction of man’s life. On its basis man experiences a downfall or otherwise, joy or sorrow and success or failure. Spiritual philosophy came into existence solely for the purpose of overcoming demonic tendencies of the psyche from their very roots and replacing them with sacred qualities like divine wisdom etc. Spiritual philosophy is the foundation stone of attaining spiritual grandeur/greatness. The gigantic mould of Brahma Vidya (Divine Wisdom) has been cast so as to attain this divine glory. The fundamental aim of precepts that talk of God, soul, demigods, other world, heaven, reincarnation, fruits of ones actions, salvation, hell, liberation, emancipation, devotion, spiritual practices, Sidhis (Divine Powers) etc. is to dissuade man from imbibing lowly aspirations and instead aspire for higher peaks of human glory. For this various religions ordain mankind to absorb sacred thinking and act ethically in their day to day worldly transactions. The fundamental basis of spirituality is refined faith. True faith is certainly not the figment of ones wayward imagination. It should not be labeled as ‘doubt’. Hence spiritual precepts are given a sound footing by giving proof in the form of various scriptural injunctions, great speech of Rishis, saints etc, divine inspirations, God’s commands, discourses and mythology. It is left to Spiritual Philosophy to prove all this via logic, precepts and sound arguments. rn2) ETHICS AND APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR: Wholesome behavior encompasses observations of ethics, integrity etc in ones professional and social life. The chief aim of all religious scriptures is to make laws based on ethics, ideals etc. Smritis (Indian scriptures) have detailed man’s inner and external (social) duties and responsibilities. It can be said to be a vow or resolve of imbibing sacred actions and duties. Duty is emphasized upon and rights are said to be secondary. Further mankind is urged to ignore worries related to enticements, fear, pressures etc and instead focus one pointedly on an ethical and righteous way of living. Ethics based scriptures (Neeti Shastra) urges world humanity to imbibe oneness of soul with all living beings, gentlemanliness, sacred character, self control and simple living-high thinking. We must celebrate birthdays of great people of the world who renounced their all for the sake of great ideals. Hence sermons and discourses that describe the lives of such great souls are given so that man too gets inspired to follow in their footsteps. In this manner the layman’s self control can be nourished and he will willingly imbibe a sacred way of living. An important point to be noted is that when man vows to lead an ethical life hardships do come his way. At such times material lures and enticements have to be curbed via self control (Sanyam). This control is called Laya sadhana. Why is a man of true austerities very powerful mentally? The answer is that he gives up desires for selfish gains and instead channels his energy in the direction of world welfare. In this manner he himself attains soul fulfillment, respect from the world, love and cooperation and divine grace without even having an inkling of such desires in his mind. Meaning all this comes his way, unasked and unsolicited. Ethics can be nurtured only when greatness enters every pore of our mental character, actions and inner qualities. In this manner our character and personality touch heights of human grandeur and glory. Ethics and ideals have been classified and described from many standpoints. Manu Smriti describes 10 characteristics of ethics. Almost all these have been elucidated in the Yama-Niyama aphorisms of Raja Yoga. In other religious texts all this has been covered albeit with minor variations here and there. It is these common principles of ethics in various religions that makes us say that fundamentally all religions are one. Of course the mode of application and methods of imbibing these ethics in day to day living do vary amongst various religions. The outer shells of tradition in various religions have come to being depending on the circumstances prevailing in those times when a particular religion was established. These traditions change when times and external circumstances change. It is but natural that when these traditions become worn with age distortions and taints enter them. Under such circumstances it becomes imperative that they be transformed and reformed in a wholesome manner. Despite this the fact remains that the principles of ethics that urge mankind to live a life of human greatness remains intact. It is hence in this context that we proclaim that all religions are eternal in nature. rn3) WHOLESOME SOCIAL BEHAVIOR-DISCIPLINE AND ETIQUETTE: It is most required that when we come in contact with other our behavior should be polite and gentlemanly. We must protect the dignity and self respect of everybody. We are members of the human family and hence we must respect others and not come in the way of their wholesome aspirations in life. Although it is excellent that we imbibe gentlemanliness we must never bloat about it i.e. do not blow your own trumpet of greatness. Right from having conversations with others and other day to day transactions this sort of discipline must be observed. Even when others do not cooperate or that if you are facing harsh times never give up your gentlemanly character. At all costs indiscipline must be shunned like plague. When out of wrath we hurl abuses and insults at others know for sure that we are exhibiting our inner lowly stature. Even while dealing with the ugliest natured individuals never lose your mental calm. Civic scriptures elucidate many methods whereby without harming others or coming in their way we can safely lead a hallowed lifestyle. We all have different notions of how to lead a wholesome life. Hence it is most important that every individual tries to understand the others viewpoint without bias or prejudice. Never say ‘only my viewpoint is right and that you must follow the same’. We must ourselves first understand and then help others understand and studiously stay away from verbal duels unless of course in those rare and exceptional case it cannot be adhered to. We must behave with others exactly in the way which we like others to behave with us. It encompasses not only politeness and etiquette but al those actions which augment others comfort and never inflicts ill will on them. Time management should be given due respect, one must abide by the promises given to others (accountability) and be committed to ones daily duties. All these will ensure that you will slowly but surely climb peaks of glory. Never promise something which is beyond your ken and reach. To establish a bond of trust never act distrustfully. Human glory goes down the drain when by using criminal means a person tries to fulfill his selfish desires. One must religiously abstain from such means of earning wealth. Today in the economic arena foul, ethical and illegal means for earning wealth is on an alarming rise. Laborers put in only 50% effort, businessmen loot their customers by taking exorbitant profits and criminal minded people walk freely in society with total disdain for law and order. Hence it should be seen to it that not only should we refrain from such criminal leanings but that never allow others to do so too. Just as good behavior means gentlemanliness and humility it also connotes cooperation and generosity. One must respect others rights and give them more importance. Only after doing so should we look into our needs. Duty should be given primary importance and rights should be secondary only. Due respect should be given to others independence. Never coerce on others your views and beliefs however wholesome they may be. Yes you may talk about these to only those who lead unethical lives and have become anti social in their behavior. It is totally undesirable to ram your beliefs down other people’s throats. None should be obstructed from availing the benefits of thought independence and basic human rights. The protocol and etiquette executed when meetings and social transactions take place are based on nationality, time and credentials. Its prime goal is to respect others, cooperate with them and express ones good character. Thus keeping in mind the saying ‘In Rome do as the Romans do’ we must enthusiastically imbibe wholesome traditions and etiquette of other countries when we visit them. Civic sciences, Social sciences, Political sciences and Economics opine that man has been given apt basis and advice to execute his social responsibilities. Hence the onus is with him to understand their deep import and then imbibe them in his daily living. Social arrangements have been designed so as to honor those who perform their duties zealously and punish those who err in this respect. All governments of the world have made apt laws, established armies, jails etc in order to establish discipline in society. In turn this helps obstruct anti social elements from proliferating in society. In society one sees both praise and insult and opposition and proposition. In our individual life when we contact those around us this very process in the form of reactions, pondering over various topics, opposition and lack of cooperation is witnessed. Even with our kith and kin our one eye manifests love and the other eye discipline so as to reform their unwholesome habits and thinking. Traditions in which vile activities have forced their way in should be removed totally and should be replaced with wholesome activities. Never should we give our consent to undesirable habits, blind beliefs and erroneous activities. Instead if the need arises opt for the method of non cooperation and oppose these strongly until they are weeded out from their very roots. Further we must always encourage activities and stands that aim at augmenting wholesome activities and thinking which will ultimately benefit the entire world. Another important point to note is regarding our voting rights. Whenever we go for voting we must keep in mind the credentials and character of the person standing for elections. While voting always harbor a neutral mind and vote for the best person who has long term beneficial goals in mind. In this context honesty, accountability and commitment on the part of whom you vote for should be kept in mind. Vociferously denounce those whose aims are selfish gains at the cost of society’s uplifting. Instead encourage the qualities of congregational wholesome activities, cooperation and camaraderie. The aim of world humanity should be brotherhood and unity on the lines of A BEAUTIFUL BORDERLESS WORLD. The high walls of disparity and differences must be destroyed once and for all. There should be no discrimination based on ones caste, community and gender. We must all work hard to herald a new world which will exist eternally as a prosperous united family. Global efforts on a war footing are required to form a global nation, a unique global language, a scientific religion and a world culture that will bind all human beings and other creatures with a sense of oneness and brotherhood. All those biases and prejudices that hamper world unity must be discarded from their very fount. The axis of an individual is his/her family. A family can be compared to a nation. A family is akin to a factory that shapes jewel like and great citizens of their country. If the institution called a family the world over is well managed and progressive in a wholesome way not only will individual glory flourish but that society and the world at large too will prosper both materially and spiritually. All world denizens will thus experience joy, avail material comforts and advance by leaps and bounds through the institution of a balanced family. Never should this tiny looking family be ignored and instead it should be well managed and made prosperous in an ethical manner. We all know that the goal of a prosperous family is cleanliness both within and without, hard work, cooperation, progressiveness and living well within ones means. The more these ideals are absorbed the more the family atmosphere exudes grandeur and culture. Every member of such families will doubtlessly experience a radiant and prosperous future. In order to sacredly reform the institution of family life Yuga Nirman Mission has taken up the cause of Women’s Awakening. This gigantic program encompasses wholesome give and take of thoughts and thus lay down the firm foundation stones of the ADVENT OF A BRIGHT FUTURE IN THE 21st CENTURY. rn4) WHOLESOME AND OPTIMUM USAGE: Generally wholesome usage is with reference to material objects. All those materials that we own and are being used by us should be maintained aptly and we must ensure that they are never wasted. While using materials always keep in mind that if you refrain from wasting them many others who need them can benefit greatly. Materials must be maintained in a wholesome and optimal manner. This is because of lack of proper maintaining will render them prematurely useless and in some cases may prove to be dangerous for its user. All these observations hold cent percent true for the creation, usage and expenditure of wealth. In addition it is man’s prime duty to ensure that water and the atmosphere remain unpolluted. Misuse of materials involves lack of apt usage and in the process destroying them, disallowing others to get their rightful share and maintaining them in a very undesirable manner. Behind the belief of looking upon hoarding as sin and charity as a meritorious deed lies the philosophy of abstinence of using materials when not required to do so and disallowing materials from piling up unused in one place. Piling up materials for a great length of time induces their rotting. If we insist on hoarding things many bad habits and distortions breed in our minds. The flames of envy are fanned and thus crimes proliferate in society. Modern socialism and communist principles agree with this observation. This can be said to obstruct misuse of wealth and instead use it aptly and optimally. Today the leaders of the corporate world opine that more various goods are manufactured (TV, mobiles, computers etc) the more profits will be reaped. Hence when they produce more goods they lure people into buying them even when the buyer either does not need it or that it is well beyond his/her means. Yet according to corporate philosophy one will become wealthy and more comforts can be added to the kitty. USA and other developed nations vote in favor of this philosophy. They do not realize that our globe’s natural resources will deplete perilously and that industrial pollution will reach alarming levels. (Already everyone is worried about global warming). Mechanics working with machines overtime tends to face dire health problems. Excess work will induce drug abuse and excess alcohol intake. Thus what we are trying to say that all this amounts to misuse of materials. The middle path involves using technology that does not pollute our globe and that production targets should be only as much is required by society. In this manner in comparison to gigantic industries people will get more jobs. Simple living and not wasting materials will obstruct their misuse. Those materials that remain in excess must be distributed amongst that backward classes of society especially those that live below the poverty line. Simple living must always be conjoined to high thinking. Simplicity not only breeds a good character but that because of it when our time, efforts, intellectual capacity and wealth gets saved the same can be utilized for world well being activities. Wherever the ideal of wholesome usage of materials proliferates there hoarding of wealth too will be abstained from. Instead this excess wealth will be used for activities meant for society’s well being. This farsighted thinking can truly be called apt usage of material wealth. It can also be said to be a gesture of goodwill towards Mother Nature on man’s part. Such sacred activities must be broadcasted and propagated all over the world. These are those very 4 legs of religious duties which help both individuals and world society to attain both material and spiritual bliss. Imbibing true religion connotes absorbing those principles which are universally acceptable at all times by world humanity. Space, time nor religious sects can ever influence them. Barring those rare exceptions, all world religions directly or indirectly inspire their followers, to imbibe these principles and actually put them into practice in their day to day lives. If only all religious leaders of the world continue to urge their followers to do this know for sure that human glory will climb great peaks. In this manner apt social governance is totally dependent on this axis. We have already said that these 4 precepts demarcate the various streams of social life. In order that the layman imbibes these and puts them into practice he must be given knowledge regarding the various classifications of each precept. No doubt if we delve deep very minutely the number of these classifications will be so high that a layman’s mind will be incapable of remembering them. Hence keeping in mind our present circumstances and requirements they have been classified into 14 precepts based on their social applications. This number is certainly not that less that it is difficult to include all the streams of life within its realm and nor is this number very high which could confuse the common man’s psyche. Like the 14 jewels of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean in Indian Mythology called Puranas) the eternal principles of human religion/duty have been classified as the following 14 precepts:rn1) theism 2) spirituality 3) religiosity 4) progressiveness 5) self control 6) unity 7) looking upon the world as one peaceful family 8) socialism 9) sacredness 10) punctuality 11) integrity 12) discrimination between right and wrong 13) attaining the spiritual goal 14) radiant skills. In this manner when man imbibes these 14 jewels of ethics true religiosity will bloom in his psyche/soul. Human transformation and social progress will be attained only when these are truly imbibed in great measure. Now let us study all these individually and in a systematic manner: 1) THEISM: The very spine of human ethics and values is faith in God’s existence. Faith in the fruits of ones deeds, ethics and imbibing discipline is possible only when we are very sure of an omnipotent power controlling this cosmos. Faith that God does exist helps man refrain from sinning and in its place inspires him to walk on the path of integrity. This is that golden fetter which can induce man to imbibe greatness at all times. True socialism and apt management of society can proliferate only when ethics and discipline rule the roost and that we harbor unshaken faith in them. When we lack this faith unruliness and crime breed like deadly mosquitoes. This in turn not only mars the institution called a family but that tension and chaos enter our society in a big way. Hence faith in the existence of a subtle divine and all powerful principle (God) helps ward off illegal and criminal activities in mankind’s life.rn2) SPIRITUALITY: Uninterrupted faith in our fundamental existence and faith in its omnipotent nature is that substratum which throws wide open all doors of progress. This self belief makes his will power strong and in turn inspires him to give up his limited ego ‘I’ and instead merge it into the cosmic soul (God). If we insist only calling this illusory ‘I’ pure and powerful like God know for sure that the fetters of such narrow mindedness will become unbearably painful. On the other hand when we imbibe discipline, gentlemanliness, cleanliness, oneness of soul with others, great character and generosity in our day to day life our soul expands so as to encompass the entire world in its very existence. The 3 fold endeavor of self transformation, self advancement and self creation rule the roost. Man transcends the binding clutches of greed, avarice, desires etc and instead uses his soul potential for world welfare activities. Such sacred sentiments make an individual great and thus world glory becomes a foregone conclusion.rn3) RELIGIOSITY: True religiosity means adhering to ones righteous duties. One must be devoted not only to ones family but ethics and social well being. Being responsible oneself and not trespassing on the rights of others is true religiosity. God has given every human being certain powers. Know for sure that these are not meant for eat, drink and be merry way of life. Instead this God given potential must be used for ones own advancement and that of society in a befitting manner. Man’s one and ultimate goal of life should be lading a life of ideals and principles and hence in this manner like a cog in the wheel contribute towards a radiant future of this world. The underlying goal of religiosity is certainly not to bind man in the fetters of obsolete traditions and beliefs. Instead that righteous duty should be executed by every world individual, which will help manifest true well being of the entire world.rn4) PROGRESSIVENESS: Today we give importance to keeping our body fit and healthy and eking out a handsome salary. What we fail to realize is that equal importance should be given to purifying our intellect, experience and viewpoint. In fact true human progress is synonymous with soul progress. For this self reflection and self introspection are most required. When we deeply understand the true goal of human life we slowly get weaned away from selfish attainments and instead our psyche starts thinking of world well being and peace. The more our soul expands so as to merge into the cosmic soul (called God by laymen) means that we are marching ahead on the path of true advancement/progress. When our soul becomes expansive we start experiencing the sacred bliss of being one with other beings. It is this sense of oneness of soul that can help world beings live united in a peaceful manner.rn5) SELF CONTROL: It is only via self control that we can render our body and mind healthy and balanced. Misuse of our sense organs leads to diseases and mental stress. If we refuse to observe the rules of healthy eating and resting our life force gets depleted quickly. To protect our health it is important to observe Brahmacharya (sexual continence). The body becomes ill because of misuse of the 5 senses and mind becomes diseases because of unwholesome thinking. Mental promiscuousness is even more deadly than bodily illnesses. Hence always urge your psyche to think positively and in a sacred manner. Along with the body and mind one should have immense self control regarding ones wealth too. If we succeed in desirably controlling our body, mind and wealth we will become strong, great thinkers and prosperous both materially and spiritually.rn6) UNITY: Success in any form is totally dependent on our mental equipoise and balance. A mental state wherein man remains calm and serene under all circumstances is most required today. Never despair when dire situations glare at us and instead always think positively. Such a mind is extremely well balanced and healthy. With due diligence and practice anyone can develop this inner state of serenity. All the great tasks executed in world history and all great leaders and thinkers of the world definitely possessed such a focused and sacred psyche. By taking recourse to it one can march ahead in any chosen field of life with honor.rn7) WORLD AS ONE FAMILY: The chain that binds an individual to society is the institution called a family. Society is nothing but a congregation of many small units called families. No doubt efforts are required to induce progress in every family and make every member cultured and great in character. despite this one should not limit progress to this tiny unit and instead we must widen our mental horizon so as to encompass the entire world as our family. The Vedas say ‘UDAAR CHARITAANAAM TU VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM’ meaning one imbued with great character looks upon the entire world as his/her family. Thus our sentiments towards our family should wax like the moon in such a way that the entire world becomes our beloved family. We must use our bodily and mental potential for the advancement of the entire world. Such cog in the wheel like contributions to the world will definitely herald a heavenly atmosphere on earth on an eternal basis.rn8) SOCIALISM: Man obtains wealth and comforts from society so as to lead a prosperous life. Hence it now becomes his duty to contribute humbly to society’s progress and peace. It is ethical duty to look after society’s well being and is as important as his duty towards his family and relatives. Society can be well managed and made prosperous only if every world denizen observes his duty towards his family and the entire society in an ethical and honest manner. We must behave with others exactly in the way we desire other to behave with us (if we do not like abuses from others stop abusing others your self). Only on the basis of this test that principles of ethics and social duties will proliferate infinitely. Further it is as important to weed out tainted traditions, criminal leanings and blind beliefs from their roots when compared to imbibing ethical living. World society will attain glory and grandeur only when every individual imbibes discipline, wholesome behavior, sense of world brotherhood and sacred duty to society on a day to day basis.rn9) SACREDNESS AND PURITY: Sacredness is a shining ornament of man’s character. Brilliance in various fields (art, music, industry, media etc) can be given due respect only when it encompasses humility gentlemanliness while dealing with others. It also means giving due respect to those who deserve it and never falling into the trap of vanity and arrogance. Maintaining decorum as far as ones mode of dressing, body and other accessories used to falls under its jurisdiction. Shabby or very gaudy clothes and ill kept objects give a very bad impression to others. Hence opt for a simple dressing style which adds to your inner aura. Our first impressions of other people commence with their general appearance and their way of dressing. Moreover if the objects used by us are well maintained (watch, cell phone, car etc) it shows that our minds too are focused and disciplined. Our external life should be well managed and inner life full of gentlemanliness. This is the goal of good behavior.rn10) PUNCTUALITY: The substratum of all types of wholesome success in life is proper time management and balanced hard work. The path of progress is laid down when we regularly execute our daily routine and work hard optimally. Every action, be it minute or great in importance should be dealt with in an equally focused manner and thus success will knock on your door without fail. Every action done with due concentration shows the diligence of its doer. Wasting precious time is equivalent to wasting our precious human life. Those who truly understand the true importance of a human life make optimum use of time in their hands. Apart from family responsibilities time and ones efforts should definitely be utilized for contributing to social welfare.rn11) INTEGRITY: Man is said to be ethical when he is transparent and honest as far as wealth generation and its expenditure is concerned and that he responsibly enacts all his duties. In material life only those prosper who are full of integrity and responsibility. Professionally too only they succeed who are ethical and full of transparency in all their transactions. They respect accountability and commitment in their various professions. There is a demand for candidates who responsibly and with commitment execute jobs assigned to them. Even society honors and reveres them. In turn society always stands by their side in a cooperative manner. Not only should our wealth creation be ethical but that a part of it must be used for social welfare. One must keep ones expenses minimum and whatever remains must be used for world well being. Such pious sentiments of world welfare zooms mankind to the peaks of human glory.rn12) SENSE OF RIGHT AND WRONG: It is an enlightened discriminative intellect that can tell us what is right and what is not. There prevail today innumerable blind beliefs, lack luster traditions and blind practices which when tested prove to be totally useless. And yet because they have prevailed over a very long time span it is difficult for people to give them up. Hence it is only the light of discrimination that can give man the necessary strength to renounce them in totality. It helps man overcome narrow minded thinking and instead works selflessly for world peace and prosperity. Many blind beliefs like death feasts, animal sacrifice, dowry system, ghost mediums, sorcery, astrology for material pursuits, leaving everything to fate etc have made our society weak and demeaned. And yet because vested interests label them as ‘ancient traditions’ no one has the valor to give them up. Thus the only way to uproot them is generating necessary daring for this via an enlightened discrimination.rn13) ATTAINING THE SPIRITUAL GOAL: Spiritual goals are attained when we use our time, effort, wealth, skills and capabilities for rooting out sorrow and downfall of society. The more one contributes their potential for this cause the more one will progress on the path of spirituality. The goal of devotion, meditation and penance is to manifest this spiritual viewpoint in our psyche/soul. When a compassionate heart helps those in need it experiences untold divine bliss which is not equivalent to even all material joy of the world put together.rn14) RADIANT SKILLS: When there is a lack of radiant skills other qualities of ones psyche lose their utility sheen and importance too. Man can swim in the infinite ocean of glory only if he deeply imbibes gentlemanliness, humility, generosity, sense of service (Seva Bhava) and fearlessness. A weak minded individual may be a gentleman and yet he never has the daring to oppose undesirable trends in society. It is because of this that he fails to help benefit the world at large with his generous and wholesome character. Even minor hiccups in life make him tensed and thus out of fear bows down to unruly and illegal elements. Thus simply because he lacks daring all his other wholesome qualities become pale and useless. A point to note is that at any given point in time the number of dictators, autocrats and criminals has been in the minority and yet because they are fearless (in a demonic way) they achieve their unethical goals. Hence it is most required that along with other sacred qualities a spiritual seeker must develop wholesome enterprise, daring and valor. The above 14 precepts if imbibed by every layman will definitely reap dividends of greatness of character and they are accepted by all religions the world over. We can say that they are universal, meant for every world individual and is suitable for all times. Despite the disparity of time, place and individual personalities everyone can follow the above 14 precepts for material and spiritual prosperity (barring those very few exceptions of a rare kind).