Article sent from The Hindu on indiaserver.com

[Guest guest]

=============================================================

This article is emailed to you by Ram Chandran ( chandran )

=============================================================

Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Every religion has positive aspects

 

CHENNAI, MAY 5. If a crude, raw and hard stone, taken out of a

mine, can be cleaned, cut to size and polished to be made into a

resplendent diamond, then will it not be possible to change a man

with a corrupt mind and evil thoughts into an ideal person? This

depends on developing a will to transform himself and the help of

a spiritual guide to enable him to take the correct path.

 

The human soul can be compared to this stone from the diamond

mine covered with dust, viz., evil instincts. This layer of

impurities can be removed by the spiritual master who will teach

him how to approach God and what is the discipline he has to

undergo. The person, in need of such a change, should be like one

who, on his shopping spree, will be keen only to purchase quality

goods. A man, to be reformed, should gradually rise to the level

of perfection by discarding base thoughts and acquiring the power

to meditate. The teacher will render him the proper guidance. The

aspiring person can listen to lessons imparted by reputed

scholars but he should become a staunch disciple of only one

qualified master, who will know the right type of knowledge

required by him. Religion plays its role in this task.

 

But people often ask why there are so many religions all of which

claim that they are only spreading the Divine message and leading

the people to God's empire. Also, if all preach Righteousness,

why should we witness so much of injustice and chaos all round?

Acharya Rajyash Surishwarji posed this question in a discourse.

Every religion has its positive aspects and these have to be

noted down from the various sacred texts. The rules of

Righteousness have certainly the power of overriding the

influence of evil tendencies and ultimately, Truth alone will

triumph and wicked forces will be crushed. Today, several

foreigners have learnt the value of vegetarian food on which

Jainism laid extraordinary emphasis. When by misfortune, anarchy

and violence raised their heads, saints from all religions will

preach ``Dharma'' diverting people from their misdirected

adventures to the path of sanity.

 

The spiritual guide will point out the procedures to be followed

by the aspirants telling them plainly that in the absence of a

definite goal, there may be clash of interests in their day-to-

day life. That goal should be pursued, diligently, with devotion,

determination and with honesty. Constant practice and intense

efforts are necessary to attain spiritual excellence. Apart from

improving the quality of life, one should understand the glory of

Indian culture which prescribes even the posture of seating while

taking meals, to ensure proper digestion.

 

Copyrights: 2000 The Hindu & Tribeca Internet Initiatives Inc.

 

Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly

prohibited without the consent of The Hindu & Tribeca Internet Initiatives Inc.