Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal

Page 77

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Shrimad Rajchandra's Message
convey to Ratanba that religion lies in the eradication of the four passions of anger, ego, deceit, and greed. Shrimad was explaining the true essence of religion to Ratanba.
There are four essential aspects for acquiring the true essence of religion: (1) removal of sectarianism, (2) search for the ultimate truth, (3) efforts for self-realisation and (4) liberation.
The first aspect here concerns dogmatic blindness caused by sectarianism. Such a person lives with the singular belief that their point of view is the only correct one and all other points of views are false. Such an approach results in a person having a blinkered vision, to the extent that their dogmatism and beliefs lead to a state where the ego dominates the real truth. The person is so immersed in their own fixed ideas and opinions of their faith that instead of practising the true religion, he only practises the religion of his ego. In modern times, we find numerous religious sects which are the result of such narrow-minded hubris.
The second aspect pertains to differences of opinions between sects. When one sect considers itself superior to another or tries to illustrate the deficiencies of another sect or religion, differences of opinion arise. These differences often gain such importance that followers are distracted by them. The primary reason for the emergence of sectarianism is that people are not willing to reconcile their differing viewpoints. A real seeker will ignore such differences, simply because getting involved in these divisions is a distraction from the ultimate goal. When we do not understand the differing viewpoints, we can get entangled in them. Shrimad explained these aspects in detail. (Ref. Rajprashna, Question 118, Page 64) where he says, “no one has been able to attain salvation or liberation by indulging in differences of opinions, but those who consciously and deliberately ignore such