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Knowledge through
Self-Realisation
Times of India
“SCRIPTURES the world over say that world peace shall
become a reality only if each individual is at peace with himself. We
are a microcosm with all the macrocosm within us. Little do we realize
that rampant evil deeds are mere manifestations of the inner realm of an
individual. A disturbed and violent inner core will generate only
destructive and hostile thoughts. Such negative thoughts are then
translated into multifarious vices-the base of a 'civilised' society.
The tragedy is that we are oblivious of our true nature. The
ignorance of our true divine self separates us from our creator who is
absolute truth, knowledge and bliss. God is within the body as Atman or
our real self. The present atmosphere of distrust and disharmony defies
any hope of revival. The goal of global peace continues to be a mirage
not because of lack of effort but due to lackadaisical and wrong
approach by those who matter. Perfect world order can be ensured by
establishing a harmonious relationship with divinity. In man, divinity
is inherent. The crucial thing is manifestation of divinity in man so
that he can become truly religious. There upon, divine attributes
automatically flow out of an individual.
According to Swami Vivekananda , this requires 'outside help' which
comes from a spiritual master who has himself attained the pinnacle of
human perfection. At the behest of his spiritual master, he stepped out
of national boundaries and traveled to various parts of the globe,
spreading the message of oneness of the human race. Speaking at various
for a, he said, "It is the revelation of the supreme secret that will
enable one to understand the meaning and essence of 'oneness' of
humans". Pursuit of a perfect world order has to begin with an
individual. It is not the global but individualistic approach that is
needed to attain the goal.
Here the subject matter of our study is not the physical body of an
individual but his mind which is the breeding ground for good or evil
thoughts. Many of us talk of value-orientation to education to develop a
positive mindset. This would have its deepest impact only after divinity
in man has been manisfested. This will have a two-fold impact. One is
the realization that the same divine force operates through all, and the
second, that our real self is above the body-mind consciousness. It is
only then that the value-oriented education will prove beneficial for
man. A negatively charged mindset has propensity for carrying out
demoniac deeds and can stoop down to any level. A flustered and agitated
mind is inimical to the interests of the family, society and the world
at large. It can only sow seeds of discontent, hatred and animosity. A
positively charged mindset is thus a prerequisite for individual peace
and global peace.
In case the forest is withered and is to be restored to life, we
would have to water each tree in that forest. Likewise. If we want world
peace, we should learn to be peaceful ourselves. A positive mindset
equips individuals with endowments of purity, self-control, uprightness,
non-violence, truth, calmness, compassion and shuns covetousness. Such
divine propensities are conducive to God-realisation and the individual
remains ever established in remembrance of God. We talk profusely of
conquering fear, getting rid of self-centredness and mind-control. Words
alone will not create magic. Let us sincerely ask ourselves if this has
changed the obnoxious atmosphere all around. The situation has in fact
gone from bad to worse. Remember, theory is best understood through
practical example. On practically perceiving the self within, we would
not only welcome but become receptive to theory.
Upon realising one's divine self, credos like Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
or all living beings should be happy and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or the
world family, are understood in letter and spirit, and no longer remain
confined to holy books. Sri Aurobindo once said, "India will emerge as a
spiritual teacher of the world". The time has come for India to spread
the message of knowledge of self which is the only way out of the
present imbroglio. Spiritual revolution through the goal of Atamgyan or
self-knowledge, is the need of the hour. It is only purusartha or an
object of human pursuit of the present, which would become destiny of
the future. Let us make our tomorrow peaceful by knowing ourselves.”
Knowledge through
Self-Realisation
Times of India
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