Brij Mohan Sharma
Religion, undeniably, has been one of the most effective factors in the evolution of humanity. From time immemorial, it has been a forceful motive for social cohesion and social progress. Apart from quenching man’s spiritual thirst, it has worked as a cementing ingredient to unite individuals and communities.
Unfortunately, this holy source of inspiration has lately been misused by some vested interests, and has become the cause of friction, suffering and strife among mankind. These wicked and selfish elements are adept in the dirty art of brainwashing and inciting the religious susceptibilities of gullible people, and goad them into the cauldron of war, persecution and murder. They are well trained in misinterpreting and misrepresenting the teachings of scriptures. They are tutored and assigned the horrendous task of disturbing the peace of the world, and create hatred and animosity between various faiths. One shudders to see that some of the most atrocious crimes and inhuman practices are committed in the name of religion. Sentiments like love, brotherhood and peace have been replaced by hatred, scorn and strife. Little do these fanatics realize what harm they are doing to humanity, in general, and to their own religion, in particular. They probably live under the illusion that theirs is the only religion which is the final Truth, and as such deserves absolute and final status.
It would be imprudent to ascribe this most dangerous trend to any one particular section of society, because its venomous fangs have penetrated deep into the psyche of not only innocent and ordinary persons, but it has influenced the mental make up of many a well educated and learned person. Things have come to such a pass that these people are no longer amenable to sane advice, and as such intolerance, hatred, murder, terrorism and many other heinous acts have become order of the day.
India, which has always been in the vanguard of religious unity and amity has also been made a sufferer of this barbaric frenzy. Even though we are trying our best to nip the growth of this evil, it may take some time to root it out completely.
Notwithstanding this sorry state of affairs, the world is well aware of the fact that India, even today, is foremost in respect of spiritual fervour. It is here that our saints and sages, sufis and faqirs discovered the unity behind all religions; and served as messengers of peace and harmony for the whole humanity. In fact, this discovery carries with it a certain ‘universal outlook’ based on highly rational philosophy of ‘Unity behind all Existence’.
It is also heartening to see that this Indian wisdom is gripping the minds of many a thinker of the world, and so the time is not far off what every human being will realize its indispensability in achieving religious harmony, social progress and international solidarity for which the whole humanity is so ardently aspiring.
Among the saints and sages of India, who have been the proponents of this universal truth, the name of Paramahansa Yogananda stands out prominently. Born on January 5, 1893, he was brought up Kolkatta, where he also received his spiritual training under the watchful eyes of his most illustrious and revered Guru Swami Sri Yukteswarji Maharaj. In 1920, Yoganandaji, in compliance with the wishes of his Guru, left India and dedicated his whole life disseminating the message of Kriya Yoga for universal unity and brotherhood. He was the first great master of India to live in the West for a along period (over thirty years). He left this world in America on March 7, 1952. Today, more than ever, he is recognized as a world teacher, an enlightened exponent of the universal science of Yoga, a great spiritual ambassador of India, a benefactor of mankind and a God- realized master.
According to Swami Sivananda, Yogananda was “a rare gem of inestimable value, the like of whom the world is yet to witness.” His nature was universal, his life a blend of spiritual wisdom of his motherland and the practical efficiency of his adopted country. Through Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/ Self Realization Fellowship, California (USA), the wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda is made available in all parts of the world. His book ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ is indeed a masterpiece and a spiritual classic for the ages.
In his teachings, Paramahansaji explains why and how man was created by God, and how he is immutably a part of God, and what it means to each one personally. According to him, realization of the oneness of man and his Creator is the whole essence of all religions.
To perceive this Truth, however, you are required to “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind”, as emphasised by Jesus Christ and taught by almost all God-realized masters, saints and prophets, though in different vocabularies and through different methods. To realize God and His universality, it is imperative that we seek Him with all our mind and concentration that should be one-pointed. A prayer that one utters while at the same time thinking of other things in the background of his mind is not a true prayer and is unheeded by God.
The unity of spirit, as such, is demonstrated only by those great men who have attained God-realization. As such, only a God-realized master can rightly teach you and guide you on the path of Truth. “A blind cannot lead a blind”. How can one receive knowledge of God from a teacher, who himself does not know God. Surprisingly, there is no dearth of such Charlatans in the present world! And, it is they who have brought humanity to the precipice of chaos, confusion and disaster.
Paramahansaji says “…as God is one, necessary to all of us, so religion is one, necessary and universal. Only the roads to it may differ in some respects at the beginning. As a matter of fact, it is illogical to say that there are two religions, when there is but one God. There may be two denominations or sects, but there is only one religion… if we once know the meaning of the word ‘religion’, we shall naturally be very circumspect in the use of it.
It is the only limited human point of view that overlooks the underlying universal element in the so called different religions of the world, and this overlooking has been the cause of many evils.
“If by religion we understand only practices, particular tenets, dogmas, customs and conventions, then there may be ground for the existence of so many religions; but if religion means, primarily, God-consciousness, or the realization of God both within and without,…. then, strictly speaking, there is but one religion in the world, for there is but one God…. If religion is understood in this way, then and then only may its universality be maintained; for we cannot universalize particular customs and conventions”, says Paramahansa Yoganandaji.
As such, if religion is to be a living force in the modern world and contribute its share for ushering in peace and brotherhood among mankind, we need to practise it keeping in view its very kernel- the universality and unity of its common goal of the attainment of God-consciousness. A true devotee of God cannot hold a rigidly narrow orthodox conception of ‘religion’.
The solidarity of mankind is the ideal for which ‘Religion’ stands. It has no place for fanaticism, sectarianism, or bigotry.
(The writer is former Additional Secretary to Government)
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