FW: Sivananda's 'May I Answer That' Q&A Selection for Friday, September 2, 2005

[Guest guest]

Namaste all,

 

I received this mail this morning and that thought it seemed appropriate

to recent discussion. I hope you all do not mind my forwarding it here.

 

Om Shanti

Neil

 

 

www.shivabeads.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Sivananda's May I Answer That?

02 September 2005 06:17

trikashaivism

Sivananda's 'May I Answer That' Q&A Selection for Friday,

September 2, 2005

 

 

 

QUESTION #209: May I know if you mean by 'Sastras' the age-old,

written or unwritten, set and rigid principles of ancient Hindu

religious scriptures? Have these principles not become time-barred due

to the fast-changing conditions? I don't think any rigid principle can

stand the test of time.

 

ANSWER: Yes, the age-old, written or unwritten set principles of

the ancient Hindu religious scriptures are termed 'Sastras'. But because

of this, it need not follow that they should become time-barred. The

fundamental tenets of right living are unchanging. There cannot be any

sort of difference in the fundamentals. Modifications, alterations and

adjustments are necessary; but these should be effected in the external

modes of interpretation and methods of application to suit the changing

times and the new environments of a new generation. There is no harm in

changing the externals so long as it does not affect the fundamental

principles. Fundamental virtues like truth, fellowship, non-injury,

purity, justice, integrity, etc., will continue to be applicable to the

life of humanity. Violation of these would always be a signal for coming

calamity.