IndianSanskriti

Be Religious But Don’t Be a Hypocrite

Unlearning or deconditioning is how J Krishnamurti defined his initiation on the path of spirituality in the true sense. As much of our learning is the result of our conditioning which has already taken us away from our true Self, this is what most of us need to do. This calls for deep thinking to avoid colossal waste of time and energy in first learning and then unlearning what has been learnt. As the source of much of our spiritual learning is our scriptures which are authentic, special attention therefore has to be paid to the process of its assimilation and its application in our daily life. In the past, in the imparting of knowledge orally through guru parampara, attempt had been made to avoid distortion or contamination to some extent. But even this could not have been foolproof. For there is a already a great deal that comes in the way of your receiving ‘it’ as it is because of your past impressions, biases and prejudices.These can be overcome to some extent by trying to free the mind from any ‘carried forward’ burden and effecting total awareness all through the process of acquiring knowledge. Deep contemplation is one way. Here’s a story to illustrate this: Yudhishtara has taken an unduly longer time than his brothers to learn the simple lesson: “Control your anger” and rightly so. Not to learn it only by rote is true learning. Even mantras received orally have to be contemplated on or else these will also be of not much use. We have it in Sri Ram Gita that Ravna had the knowledge of sixty four vidyas in comparison to that of Sri Rama’s thirty two but had to be killed by the latter for not having used his knowledge for his own and for society’s welfare.

The improper application of unassimilated knowledge instead of being advantageous can be very harmful for the individual as also for society’s growth. The incomplete individual is not an asset but a danger to society. Shakespeare gave us the message, “Ripeness is all.” And ripeness comes with deep contemplation of acquired knowledge and its judicious application in life’s varied situations. This brings us to the creative level wherein by our creativity we can contribute to common welfare.

As against this we have people who are ever at the level of subsistence in making a show of their wealth by flaunting their wine bottles or jewels they wear. As it is with these persons so it is with those who have plenty of unassimilated knowledge. What is the use of their knowing that they are not the body but the soul if in real life if they do not act basing their actions on this very knowledge? Ravana, we are told, had all the knowledge a person could possibly think of and yet his attempt to make a golden palace for Shiva had made the latter say: ‘Even while at Kailash, Ravana has not understood its essence.

As desire for recognition, like that of sleep and food, is innate in a person, hypocrisy is likely to be his characteristic feature. And in a decadent society constituted of hypocrites we have people of little pith and substance. We have them doing things which they do not mean—loving and yet not loving, observing rituals but without attaching any of their ‘bhav’ or emotions to them…. It is the kind of society Krishna revealed to the Pandava brothers by creating before them the vision of vultures that had vedic injunctions carved on their feathers.

~ Vijay M Sethi

You may also like

Search the website

Like us on Facebook

Get daily updates via Email

Enter your email address:

Recent Posts

5 Picture Books for Kids to Celebrate Holi with Colors and Stories

Holi is a festival of colors, joy, and togetherness, making it the perfect time to introduce kids to its rich traditions through storytelling. These 5 must-read picture books bring the magic of Holi alive with engaging narratives, vibrant illustrations, and timeless cultural wisdom. From Radha and Krishna’s playful colors to heartwarming sibling adventures, these books will make Holi even more special for young readers.

Regional Variations: How Different States Celebrate Holi

Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with unique regional traditions across India. From Lathmar Holi in Barsana, where women playfully chase men with sticks, to the grandeur of Royal Holi in Rajasthan, each state adds its own flavor to this vibrant celebration. Discover the fascinating ways Holi is observed in different parts of India, including Dol Jatra in Bengal, Holla Mohalla in Punjab, and Yaosang in Manipur. Dive into the cultural diversity of this festival and see how colors unite people across the nation!

The Legend of Holika and Prahlad: A Story of Faith and Courage

Experience the joy of Holi in its traditional essence! This vibrant scene captures the spirit of Holika Dahan with people gathered around a sacred bonfire, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The next day, children and adults immerse themselves in the colors of Holi, celebrating unity, happiness, and the cultural heritage of India. The festive decorations, the ancient temple backdrop, and the joyous atmosphere make this an unforgettable depiction of Holi.

css.php