What the world needs to end its sufferings is a universal religion that gives everyone happiness, rather than keeping people in line with imaginary notions, says Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj Ji

The confrontation between two east Asian countries, the unresolved conflict between two gulf nations and the communal or religious disharmony in various other parts of the world remind us that there has been a vast discrepancy between what religions have preached and what most of their followers have actually practised. The gulf between preaching and practise has steadily deepened and widened. However lofty their ideals and injunctions regarding the norms of conduct, religions in the world have been unable to mitigate wars and other forms of conflict throughout.

They have failed to realise the glory of God and goodwill towards fellow beings in day-to-day life. They have not been able to foster amity and bring peace to the world. Therefore, here arises the question — are religions any beneficial to the mankind? Have they not caused enough confusion and conflicts? When we give an impartial thought to this charge against religions in general, we find that, to a great extent, it is true. Well, in the first stage of their growth, followers of every religion had a good understanding of real religious spirits in the form of observance of their cardinal principles. However, that was short-lived, because successive generations of followers learnt mainly the rituals and customs. They said their prayers, made some donations and felt elated to see their numbers increase but dissensions, rifts, sectarianism and quarrels among themselves and with others increased. Hence, today, no one can deny that to a great extent if not totally, religions have failed in making their followers conform to their prescribed ethical norms and to the golden rule of love towards the fellow beings. However, it should also be noted that though this charge points to the fact that there are serious flaws, deformities and discrepancies in the existing religions, it does not necessarily imply that religion, even in its real form also is unnecessary, for the truth remains that it fulfills man’s many needs.

It was not so long ago, when Swami Vivekananda reflected on the necessity of the concept of universal religion for the society. He realised the nature of man, according to which mankind in the whole world has been trying to look beyond in the quest of his ultimate destiny or search for God. Therefore, whole of the world community is today expecting a religion, which is acceptable to all, universal in its scope and teachings and which works as a unifying force.

The need of the hour is to have a religion of spiritual love and brotherhood that could inspire men, women and children to build up a new world of complete peace, friendliness and brotherhood. Moreover, people now don’t want a religion which offers them an imaginary heaven or gives them fear of an imaginary hell. Instead, they want a religion which gives them uprightness and happiness in this very life and enlightens them on how to transform this world of sufferings, that is, the hell into paradise. It is this religion, which is universal, altruistic and practicable.

Writer: Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji

Courtesy: The Pioneer

What the world needs to end its sufferings is a universal religion that gives everyone happiness, rather than keeping people in line with imaginary notions, says Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj Ji

The confrontation between two east Asian countries, the unresolved conflict between two gulf nations and the communal or religious disharmony in various other parts of the world remind us that there has been a vast discrepancy between what religions have preached and what most of their followers have actually practised. The gulf between preaching and practise has steadily deepened and widened. However lofty their ideals and injunctions regarding the norms of conduct, religions in the world have been unable to mitigate wars and other forms of conflict throughout.

They have failed to realise the glory of God and goodwill towards fellow beings in day-to-day life. They have not been able to foster amity and bring peace to the world. Therefore, here arises the question — are religions any beneficial to the mankind? Have they not caused enough confusion and conflicts? When we give an impartial thought to this charge against religions in general, we find that, to a great extent, it is true. Well, in the first stage of their growth, followers of every religion had a good understanding of real religious spirits in the form of observance of their cardinal principles. However, that was short-lived, because successive generations of followers learnt mainly the rituals and customs. They said their prayers, made some donations and felt elated to see their numbers increase but dissensions, rifts, sectarianism and quarrels among themselves and with others increased. Hence, today, no one can deny that to a great extent if not totally, religions have failed in making their followers conform to their prescribed ethical norms and to the golden rule of love towards the fellow beings. However, it should also be noted that though this charge points to the fact that there are serious flaws, deformities and discrepancies in the existing religions, it does not necessarily imply that religion, even in its real form also is unnecessary, for the truth remains that it fulfills man’s many needs.

It was not so long ago, when Swami Vivekananda reflected on the necessity of the concept of universal religion for the society. He realised the nature of man, according to which mankind in the whole world has been trying to look beyond in the quest of his ultimate destiny or search for God. Therefore, whole of the world community is today expecting a religion, which is acceptable to all, universal in its scope and teachings and which works as a unifying force.

The need of the hour is to have a religion of spiritual love and brotherhood that could inspire men, women and children to build up a new world of complete peace, friendliness and brotherhood. Moreover, people now don’t want a religion which offers them an imaginary heaven or gives them fear of an imaginary hell. Instead, they want a religion which gives them uprightness and happiness in this very life and enlightens them on how to transform this world of sufferings, that is, the hell into paradise. It is this religion, which is universal, altruistic and practicable.

Writer: Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji

Courtesy: The Pioneer