Authority of a religious order

[Guest guest]

This response came from Satyapriyanandaji

 

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That God takes human birth is itself a matter of faith and belief. Neither

Christ nor Ramakrishna have we seen. We have read accounts of them left by

others. It is our mother who points out to who the father is. But there is

some focus of faith to start with. On that we build our other faiths. Faith

in oneself is the basic faith and on that all other faiths rest.

This `oneself' is the divine within. Even Vedas may be read as one reads

the Koran or Bible. Even they can be subjected to questioning. But the fact

of Atman cannot be denied. Even for one has not realized it, it is there for

being recognised.

Yes, the leaders of religious orders do pass on and leave an Order

behind. The head of the institution is looked upon as the representative of

the founder of the religion. This belief exists in the hearts of those

belonging to the Order and in some others as well. Some others may approach

such persons with an ordinary casual look. Even as one grows in spiritual

life, our readings about the head of a religious order grows and our view

about God also matures. If we find we are unable to accept the religious

head in true light, it need not cause any concern. Time will take care of

it. But our allegiance is to the divine in the heart of all beings including

ourselves. It is not questioning or proving the veracity of the utterances

of a religious head that is of significance in our lives; what matters

really is whether we are in touch with the divine. Let us not lose sight of

the goal towards which we must take steps.

Utterances must be read keeping in mind the context and the audience to

which it is told. It may not be meant for you; and so you do not agree to

what is told. But there may be some others who may like those very ideas

which are disagreeable to you.

 

Satyapriyananda