Religion

[Guest guest]

Dear friends and devotees,

 

Bhakti is eternal,

 

R E L I G I O N. This is the subject, which is in the minds of many

and causing more discussions. In fact, this is not a current topic. It

is there, from time memorial.

The modes and its’ followers are different and therefore,

arriving at a combined decision is not emerged.

If we take a deeper thought, the matter appears to be simple; but at the

same time I do not possess, that much of knowledge to discuss this vital

subject.

I have recently come across, with the discourse of His holiness Guru Sri

Ravishankarji during the years 1999 and 2000, on his world tour,

showing some light, on this subject.

I am repeating the same for kind perusal of all.

 

1.To worship or idolize without a sense of belonging is always futile.

Such worship only results in fear and distance. On the other hand, some

are paranoid about worship. They get annoyed when they see others

worshipping.

 

Modes of worshipping or idolizing ore different in different parts of

the world. Some worship the Pope; others worship pop star; some are

crazy about politicians. Look at the children; they worship their

heroes on posters all over the walls. But adoration alone makes you a

fan. A sense of belonging and seeing the divinity in those whom you

adore makes you a saint. Those who worship without a sense of

belonging and those who are against worship are in the same boat; both

are clogged with fear.

 

The Bible says, “I am your God. You shall have no other gods

before me.†The same is said in the ancient Indian scriptures.

“One who worships God as separate from the ‘I am’

consciousness is dull-headed,†and “Pooja aur na

devaâ€â€ " do not worship other gods.

 

The offering, the offered and the offerer are all One.

 

2. The role of religion is to make us righteous and loving, and the

purpose of politics is to care for people and their welfare. When

religion and politics do not coexist, then you have corrupt politicians

and pseudo-religious leaders.

 

 

A religious man who is righteous and loving will definitely care for the

welfare of the whole population and hence becomes a true politician.

All the avatars and prophets cared for people and so were political.

And a true politician can only be righteous and loving so he cannot be

anything but religious.

 

When religions restrict freedom to worship and restrict modes of

worship, they become unsuitable for creating a harmonious society. When

religion becomes all encompassing and gives full freedom to pray and

worship in any manner --- that religion will bring righteousness and

peace to people and will be suitable for any society

 

People think that politics and religion have to be kept separate because

many religions did not allow freedom of worship and did not care equally

for all people. History has shown that religion has created conflict.

But irreligious societies, such as communism, have created chaos and

corruption..

 

Today both politics and religion need reform. Politicians must become

more righteous and spiritual. Religion must become broader and more

spiritual to allow freedom of worship, and to encompass all the wisdom

in the world.

 

With love and regards,

 

Sastry.