Sambodhi 1990 Vol 17

Author(s): H C Bhayani
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 19

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and steps of bringing discipline. rule and control over nature. In this direction modern thinkers of Renascent India have contributed radically to bring forward and mould human personality and society into free and creative spirit.
In modern thought and in the concept of detachment and liberation there is found distinct change in its outlook. Instead of scripture, text-book and Shruti, it is humanity as a whole, human individuality, nation and her solidarity which play the larger role. These ideas were dominant in one or another context previously but therein scripture, religious authority were given more importance. In modern India Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, Lokmanya Tilak, Radhakrishnan and Gandhiji have wirtten commentaries on Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Geeta. In their interpretations they do not consider religious authority as central and dominant. Various experiences, luman potentialities, knowledge of ultimate Reality, states of self and Psychic Being, action in relation to society and nation and divergent paths to achieve knowledge and realization of aiins of life have been taken into account by these thinkers and philosophers. They have considered modern India, her freedom, unity, culture, her national and international status in the world. They have gone beyond the considerations of caste, sex, religion and class. In fifteenth and sixteenth centuries a distinction was made between Maryādā Marg' and 'Pushti Märg' and it was said that certain caste and class did not deserve specific liberation. Such a distinction of class is abandoned in modern thought. Swami Vivekananda propounded the concept of Daridranārāyana keeping in view the poor and downtrodden in India.
Lokmanya Tilak gave a national status to detached Karmayoga of Bhagvad Geeta. The vow of Non-violence in Jain philosophy was made applicable by Guadhiji in national political life, aim of public welfare and in the technique of Satyagraha. Achärya Tulsi is advocating and attempting to put the doctrine of Anu Vrata on mass scale in its practise. Non-violence is not only an individual virtue but it is the most important instrument of collective welfare and benevolence. This truth was realized and practised for the uplift of people in modern times. The merit of compassion found in Buddhist philosophy was applied in matters of public life and interest and given specific significance. The Unitad Nations Organisation has held as one of its noble aims as 'never to resort to war in solving the problems of mankind'. Having seen two world wars with its disastrous consequences and innumerable loss of life the leaders of the world decided not to wage war under any circumstance. During last four decades with the help of United Nations Organisation such a war has been averted and strained relations among nations have been eased. This is the most significant achievement in internation relations in modern times.