Miscellaneous - Religion   

Pursuit of truth

CHENNAI: The spiritual side of human life has been subject to fluctuations of highs and lows. Time and again when spiritual decadence prevailed, great souls have been born to uphold moral values and restore ethical balance. The advent of Buddha at a time when spiritual values stood eroded nearly 2,500 years ago holds tremendous significance because of the far reaching influence of his message and teachings that continue to permeate the lives of people even today, said Swami Abhiramananda in a lecture. The main thrust of Buddha's message was on the inner worth of the spiritual force that transcends the outward manifestations and externals of the practice of religion.

To lead a spiritual life it is necessary that one should go beyond mere theories and truths garnered through a study of scriptures and actually live out the teachings thus learnt. The guidelines for practical living included proper faith and aspiration, uprightness in thought, word and deed, compassion, honesty, truthfulness and chastity. The emphasis is on dealing with the worldly problems from a practical angle. A person who has been wounded by an arrow should seek to treat the wound and not be engaged in probing the nature of the man who wounded him or the quality of the arrow. The path of the "golden mean" advises on moderation and on the need to avoid over indulgence and recklessness.

That there is suffering in this world is obvious. It is also tempting to put the blame for one's suffering on either external forces or events or other people. If one paused to think about the real cause of suffering it would become clear that one's desires give rise to it.

In the teachings of Buddha, the adoption of Sanyasa as a panacea for the evils of the world was emphasised. On the other hand, Sri Ramakrishna's spiritual approach accommodates both the monk and the householder, laying great stress on the spirit of detachment and constant meditation on God. That is why it is said that he combined in him the intellect of Adi Sankara and the heart of Buddha.

Facts of religious experiences are universal in space and time. Persistent unity and aspirations of the human spirit are testimony to this. Religion is a matter of experience and realisation.

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