Religion & Philosophy
In India, religion and philosophy were never sundered apart. The devotional side is religion, while the Upanisads, with their emphasis on formless Reality, is the philosophical side. Devotion and Wisdom are the two wings of a bird through which that bird, the soul, can get off the ground — spiritually speaking.
If one only incorporates religion and not philosophy, then a rigid code of morality and immorality become the sole standard by which to proceed. But if philosophy is united with religion, the path to God via devotion gets deepened.
The only sin in Vedanta is ignorance of the true Self.
American Government
Before the modern era, the kings and queens of India looked up to Sannyasins. Here is a problem, for the Western politicians do not have anyone higher to look up to. Since they do not have spiritual examples, they cannot guide the people to authentic freedom.
“Thou shalt not kill” is a moral law, while “Thou cannot kill” is a dharma teaching. The Soul is indestructible, cannot be tainted, cannot be divided, and is pure and perfect. There is nothing anyone can do to change this. But this perfection is to be realized. It cannot be pretended. If one commits violence and harms others, there is no devil making one do that, nor is there a God to punish you for it. But you will have karma to pay with those you harmed, along with their families.
Morality does not deliver us to the highest goal because it can so easily be feigned. But dharma has to be practiced, which proves its efficacy and its credibility.
Buddhism is the most remarkable of all religions because it spread throughout the world without committing violence. It never raised a finger against others, what to speak of a sword – or an army…..
The teachings of the Jains center on nonviolence. Their codes of conduct for everyday life are meant to prevent the formation of karma to the greatest possible extent. A Jain householder would avoid trades in which: furnaces are used; trees are cut and forests are burned; liquor is produced; animals and birds are sold; excavations/explosions are used; trade in ivory, bones, horns, furs, etc; trade involving lard, meat, fat, etc; commerce in poisonous substances and drugs; work where lakes, ponds, and wells are dried up; all work where wicked men and prostitution are supported. Further, Jains will restrict their movements, avoiding unnecessary travel for purposes of increasing wealth, domination, or seeking pleasure. There is individual karma that each person creates for him or herself. There is also collective karma, which is created by one’s culture and society. Knowing this, the Jains want to keep karma extremely minimal. Imagine the world if governments followed these simple rules of the Jains?
The quote at the bottom of the chart “Ahimsa in Jainism” reads, “One must always remember that Ahimsa is the essence of religion. To be learned implies that one must not kill or harm any creature.” (Sutrakritanga)
There is what is called “mortar and pestle” karma. It manifests in family life via fighting, backbiting, jealousy, etc., and all the while the family members are thinking everything is fine. But this creates karma behind the back.
The first thing one needs to hear is that God and mankind are one. Then one can go out and deal with the world.
Christians in the West have never truly considered the teaching of “I and my Father are One,” nor “Be thee perfect like thy Father in Heaven.” They thought it only applied to Jesus. But he knew that mankind held within a perfect Soul, or Atman, and he only wanted us to realize It.
“The musk deer runs around in the forest looking for that beautiful scent on the wind.” This saying in India points to the restless human being who, thinking that fulfillment can be gotten in the world, seeks outside for it, never knowing that the Truth is within.
Unity in Diversity Talk
If you think of yourself as Soul you become fearless. Thinking of yourself in any other way produces fear and uncertainty.
Mind is at the hub of diversity. If the “eye becomes single,” then Unity is at hand.
Most people get pleasure and pain from their experiences; but they are not extracting any Essence from them.
If diversity presents itself to you, and you are holding the Ideal of Unity, then first strive for harmony. Unity is far beyond harmony.